Editor-in-Chief: K K Sabu Publishing model: Fully Open Access Days to First Editorial Decision: 49 days Submission to acceptance: 133 days Acceptance rate: 67% Journal Impact Factor (JIF): 0.8 5 year Impact Factor: 0.9 NAAS score (2025): 6.8 Plant Science Today (PST; eISSN: 2348-1900) is a fully open access peer reviewed international journal devoted to publish scientific articles from all areas of plant science to share advances to a wider audience. Four issues are published each year. PST, published by Horizon e-Publishing Group and powered by Empirion Publishers Private Limited, is covered by Scopus, Web of Science, BIOSIS Previews, Clarivate Analytics, NAAS, and many other indexing/abstracting services. Read more on indexing
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Integrated multivariate analysis for identifying elite female accessions in palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L.)
Borassus flabellifer L., a dioecious palm has significant importance due to its agronomic, ecological and socioeconomic value. Despite its importance, systematic genetic evaluations are limited due to its long juvenile phase and dioeciousness. To bridge the gap a sequential multivariate framework was used in the study to find the best female accessions with balanced yield potential and ideal supporting traits. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed to evaluate thirty accessions for 11 morphological and yield-related traits over a two year period. Principal component analysis (PCA) used to reduce the dimensionality of the traits and to identify the main contributors to variation as tree height, trunk girth, single fruit weight and fruit yield per palm. The Mahalanobis D² analysis identified four phenotypically divergent clusters, with two unique accessions (Acc. 23 and Acc. 58) exhibiting exceptional trait combinations. Finally, the multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) consolidated all traits into a singular selection index, identifying Acc.12, Acc.10 and Acc.32 as the accessions most closely resembling the ideotype. This multivariate approach is integrated and goes beyond standard yield-based selection by capturing trait interrelationships and providing a practical framework for the identification of elite palms for targeted breeding and conservation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Pooja Annaji, Swarna Priya Ramakrishnan, Rajasree V, Manikanda N Boopathi, Arumugam M Pillai, Raveendran M https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Chemical composition, antioxidant capacity and toxicological evaluation of rhizome and leaf ethanol extracts of Homalomena aromatica (Spreng.) Schott in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos
Homalomena aromatica (Spreng.) Schott is a highly aromatic medicinal plant found in Manipur and other parts of Northeast India. Despite its varied traditional medicinal uses, there are limited reports on plant-part-specific toxicological evaluation of the rhizome and leaf ethanol extracts. In vitro toxicological studies may not adequately replicate complex biological interactions such as metabolism and bioavailability. Therefore, this study focused on in vivo evaluation to obtain a comprehensive toxicological profile. This study compared the phytochemical composition of the rhizome and leaf ethanol extracts of H. aromatica from Manipur, India using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), antioxidant activity using ABTS and DPPH assays and toxicological profile using zebrafish as a model. The GC-MS analysis of Homalomena aromatica rhizome ethanol extract (HAREE) and Homalomena aromatica leaf ethanol extract (HALEE) revealed the presence of 31 and 25 compounds respectively. The rhizome ethanol extract had a terpenoid-rich composition with the major compounds being Linalyl acetate (monoterpenoid), Oplopanonyl acetate (sesquiterpenoid) and (1R,7S,E)-7-Isopropyl4,10-dimethylenecyclodec-5-enol (sesquiterpenoid) while the leaf ethanol extract showed a more diverse chemical composition with 2-Cyclohexen-3-ol-1-one, 2-dodecanoyl- (vinylogous acid), α- Tocopherol-β-D-mannoside (vitamin E glycoside) and n-Hexadecanoic acid (long-chain fatty acid) being the major compounds detected. The rhizome extract showed a higher 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) and 2,2´-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity than the leaf extract with IC50 values of 51.23 ± 0.10 µg/mL (ABTS) and 248.81 ± 6.23 µg/mL (DPPH) respectively. However, both were less potent than the standard ascorbic acid. In contrast to the antioxidant activity, the leaf ethanol extract was found to have a higher toxic profile as compared to the rhizome ethanol extract with LC50 values estimated to be 198.81 (leaf) and 558.31 µg/mL (rhizome) respectively. This underscores differential distribution of secondary metabolites in the different plant parts. In conclusion, these findings highlight substantial differences between the leaf and rhizome extracts in chemical composition, antioxidant potential and safety profile.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sangeeta Yanglem, Birjit Singh Waikhom, Reema Khangembam, Wairokpam Wangthoinganba Chenglei, Sonali Thokchom, Ophelia Kshetrimayum, Thangal Yumnamcha, Maibam Damayanti Devi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Response of potato varieties to the effect of mixed synthetic fertilisers in the northwestern region of Bangladesh
he experiment was conducted at the Horticulture research field in the Department of Crop Science and Technology in the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh, during the rabi season from October 2021 to February 2022. In this study, the effect of varieties, different doses of potassium and boron fertilisers and their combinations were evaluated to determine the optimum combination for enhancing the growth and yield of potato. The experiment was conducted as a factorial randomised block design with three replications. Two varieties; Lal Sheal (V1) and BARI Potato-7 (V2) and five different combination of fertiliser application; T1 = control (0 kg MP and 0 kg boric acid)/ha, T2 = (120 kg MP + 14 kg boric acid)/ha, T3 = (140 kg MP + 16 kg boron) /ha, T4 = ( 160 kg MP + 18 kg boric acid)/ha and T5 = (180 kg MP + 20 kg boric acid)/ha and the interaction of varieties and different fertiliser dozes were evaluated. The results showed that varietal differences were significant for all measured traits. The V2 variety consistently exhibited higher plant height, more leaves, larger tuber length and width, maximum number of fresh and defected tuber and higher yield compared to V1. Among fertiliser treatments, T5 (the highest mixed fertiliser dose) significantly improved plant height (59.95 cm), leaf number (57.83 per plant) and tuber size (11.56 cm length, 12.67 cm diameter), resulting in the maximum yield (19.75 kg/plot, 24.47 t/ha). The combined effect of variety and fertiliser treatments revealed that the V2T5 interaction produced the highest yield (20.23 kg/plot, 28.65 t/ha), while V1T1 produced the lowest yield. These results indicate that both genetic potential and balanced nutrient management significantly influence potato growth and productivity. Therefore, the use of BARI Potato-7 with optimised mixed synthetic fertiliser combinations can enhance tuber yield and quality in the northwestern region of Bangladesh. Further studies are recommended to refine fertiliser optimization for sustainable and region-specific potato production.
Copyright (c) 2026 Md Saidul Islam, Bhowmik Shimu, Md Shahadot Hossen, Sakila Khatun, Md Khairul Islam, Kazi Shafiul Kalam, Nusrat Jahan, Shadiya Musarrat Shithi, Mst Swapna Katun, Md Mukhtar Hossain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Morphometric diversity and clustering of wild apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) in Himachal Pradesh: Implications for phenotypic selection and germplasm management
The present study assesses phenotypic variability, trait correlations and clustering patterns among wild apricot populations across 15 sites of Himachal Pradesh during 2013–2014. Thirteen traits related to tree growth, stone and kernel characteristics were recorded from 75 mature trees (5 trees per site). A wide variation was observed in tree growth and kernel traits, with high genetic gain and heritability for the number of branches and diameter at breast height (DBH). Significant correlations existed among important traits, especially between kernel and stone characteristics. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that PC1 accounted for 47.78 % variability, mainly influenced by stone and kernel traits. The PC2 and PC3 contributed 21.07 % and 13.04 %, respectively. Cluster analysis grouped sites into 2 main clusters, distinguishing high-performing sites like Ghar and Panjore, valuable for breeding programs focused on specific trait enhancement and oil content. The study effectively identified significant morphometric diversity and strong trait associations in wild apricot populations. Traits like DBH and branch number emerged as prime selection criteria. The PCA and clustering analysis identified superior, trait-rich sites, supporting targeted breeding, improved oil extraction potential, sustainable conservation and utilisation of wild apricot germplasm.
Copyright (c) 2026 Anita Kumari, Dinesh Sharma, Kehar Singh Thakur, Anchal, P P Sujith https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of urban ecological conditions using heavy metal accumulation in the leaves of Paulownia and Acer
Amid intensified urbanization and industrial expansion, heavy metal (HM) contamination has become a critical challenge for urban ecosystems. Toxic elements such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr) threaten both public health and environmental stability. This study evaluates the bioaccumulation capacity of two widespread urban tree species-Paulownia and Acer-within different districts of Osh city. Leaf samples were collected across multiple seasons and HM concentrations were quantified using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The findings demonstrate pronounced spatial and seasonal variability, with the highest metal levels recorded in districts under strong anthropogenic pressure. Paulownia consistently accumulated more Fe and Cu than Acer, particularly during autumn, when atmospheric deposition intensifies. These results highlight the suitability of Paulownia not only as an effective bioindicator but also as a promising species for phytoremediation. These findings demonstrate the strong influence of urban structure, seasonality and species-specific traits on patterns of metal accumulation. Overall, the results highlight the value of Paulownia as a sensitive bioindicator and a promising species for phytoremediation, providing practical insight for urban ecosystem health assessment and evidence-based planning of sustainable green infrastructure in rapidly developing cities.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ermatova Venera, Akilbu Zulushova, Akkulov Abdijapar, Shamshiyev Bakitbek, Ismailov Avaz, Tashbaltaeva Shaarkan, Khaydarov Khislat, Shukrullozoda Roza, Turabekov Shakhzod, Sultonov Ilhomjon, Atayeva Shohira https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Optimising digestate fertilisation for onion (Allium cepa L.) production under semi-arid conditions: Effects on soil fertility, crop performance and yield
Onion (Allium cepa L.) farming in the Fez–Meknes region is heavily dependent on mineral fertilisers, yet prolonged use has weakened soil quality and nutrient efficiency. This study assessed whether anaerobic digestate (AD) could provide a viable alternative in semi-arid conditions and regions. The experiment took place in the field during the 2023–2024 season in a randomised complete block design, comparing six treatments: an unfertilized control, local recommended mineral fertilisation (10:30:10) and digestate applied at (10, 20, 30 and 40 dry weight (DW) t/ha). Soil characteristics, plant growth traits, biomass and yield were recorded at 30, 60 and 90 days after planting and at harvest. Differences among treatments were statistically significant according to ANOVA (P < 0.05). Digestate doses shifted soil fertility indicators. Organic matter rose by +21.1 %, available phosphorus by +64.1 % and mineral nitrogen by +483 %, while electrical conductivity increased with higher application rates. Onion plants also responded strongly. At 60 days after planting, the (40 DW t/ha) dose raised plant height by +38.8 % and by 90 days after planting, the same treatment sharply increased the leaf number (+94.5 %). Biomass patterns followed a similar trend, with bulb fresh weight at 60 days after planting climbing by +140.8 % under (40 DW t/ha). Yield gains were clear across all digestate levels: the control treatment produced 54.64 t/ha, the recommended mineral fertilization reached (73.69 t/ha) and the highest value appeared at (30 DW t/ha) with 75.25 t/ha (+37.8 % above the control treatment), slightly exceeding both the recommended mineral fertilization and the (40 DW t/ha) treatment.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jalal Hsaine, Salah-Eddine Laasli, Rachid Lahlali, Fouad Rachidi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phytochemical extraction and analysis of phenolic compounds and alkaloids from selected Medicago species (Fabaceae) in Central and Northern Iraq
Medicago yields several food and medicinal values due to the presence of proteins, carbohydrates, saponins, lignin, phenolic compounds, tannins, alkaloids, carotenoids, sterols, phytoestrogens, flavones and isoflavonoids. Because of the Medicago plant’s rich and beneficial chemical components and its various benefits, this study was conducted to extract phenolic and alkaloid compounds from the plant in central and southern regions of Iraq. A total of nine species of the genus Medicago (Fabaceae) from central and northern Iraq were concluded from this study: M. polymorpha, M. monspeliaca, M. lupulina, M. rigidula, M. radiata, M. noeana Boiss, M. orbicularis, M. sativa and M. monantha. Extraction was performed by a 72 hr maceration with ethyl acetate (10 g/10 mL) and resulted extracts were filtered, concentrated in vacuum and prepared for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The investigated compounds included rutin, gallic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, caffeine and ergotin, and the species showed different endogenous accumulation levels. R-Rutin was found at the highest concentration compared to the other phenolic compounds, in the following sequence: M. sativa with a concentration of 598.863 ppm, M. radiata with 272.2776 ppm, M. lupulina with 235.089 ppm, followed by M. orbicularis at 177.148 ppm, then M. polymorpha at 172.969 ppm, M. monspeliaca at 169.786 ppm, M. noeana Boiss at 136.3892 ppm, then M. rigidula at 129.6292 ppm and finally M. monantha at 122.2005 ppm. Despite this, the phenolic compound Quercetin was observed in the M. radiata species at a high concentration of 343.7141 ppm, while it did not appear in any of the other plants this suggests perhaps both chemical diversity and potential utility in providing therapeutically useful compounds from these species. This study found that nine plant samples from different locations of Iraq have identical phenolic and alkaloid contents, indicating that they belong to the same genus. Rutin is found in all plant species in high amounts relative to other phenolic and flavonoid chemicals, indicating that they are from the same genus.
Copyright (c) 2026 Osama Ali Abdullah, Rana Hashim Allosh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Temporal dynamics of basal soil respiration in agroforestry systems in dry-tropical Central India
Agri-silviculture and agri-horticulture systems, which integrate trees and crops on the same land, are important sustainable land-use strategies. However, the dynamics of basal soil respiration (BSR) in such systems are not fully unravelled. This study investigated the effects of agroforestry systems on BSR dynamics [rate (RBSR) and cumulative CO2 evolution (CBSR)] and identified the roles of soil organic carbon (SOC), soil moisture content (SMC) and dehydrogenase (DHA) enzyme activity on BSR. Basal soil respiration was quantified using the alkali trap method over 15 days at 3-day intervals from pre-sowing to crop maturity under 2 agroforestry systems- Tectona grandis L.f. (teak; agri-silviculture) and Phyllanthus emblica L. (aonla; agri-horticulture) and compared with a sole cropping system without trees. Black gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) and mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.) were cultivated as understory crops. Distinct temporal dynamics in BSR (RBSR and CBSR) were observed. In black gram, CBSR increased from pre-sowing to flowering (by 24.7 % and 32.4 %) and declined toward maturity (by 10.8 % and 15.9 %) at 0–30 and 30–60 cm depths, respectively. The maximum CBSR was observed in the teak-based system at flowering stage of black gram and mustard that ranged from 2.5–13.3 and 1.9–11.2 mg CO2–C 100 g-1 soil at 0–30 and 30–60 cm depths, respectively. Similarly, at flowering stage of the crops, CBSR ranged from 1.2–11.6 and 0.9–9.1 mg CO2-C 100 g-1 soil and 2.3–9.2 and 1.3–6.1 mg CO2-C 100 g-1 soil in aonla-based system and sole cropping at 0–30 and 30–60 cm depths, respectively. DHA activity (67–77 % variance) was the best predictor of CBSR followed by SOC (36–78 % variance) while SMC played a fair predictor (21–25 % variance). The study highlights the potential of agroforestry systems to enhance soil biological activity and managing soil carbon while supporting sustainable crop productivity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sovan Debnath, Badre Alam, Mushineni Ashajyothi, Sukumar Taria, Sushil Kumar, Biplab, Manisha Kumari, Akash Yadav, Rajendra Prasad, Ayyanadar Arunachalam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Unveiling the medicinal potential of dadima as a bioactive compound in Dadimashtaka choornam for exploring the antimicrobial properties against bacterial pathogens
Ayurvedic formulations have long served as traditional remedies and Dadimashtaka churna known for its anti-diarrheal and anti-ulcer properties is now being explored for its antimicrobial potential. Considering rising antimicrobial resistance this study investigates the antibacterial activity and phytochemical profile of Dadimashtaka churna against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methanolic and aqueous extracts were analysed through organoleptic, physicochemical, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) methods. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins and phenolics. The disc diffusion assay showed a maximum inhibition zone of 28±0.37 mm for Staphylococcus aureus, followed by 22 ± 0.23 mm for Escherichia coli, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited the smallest inhibition zone of 14 ± 0.21 mm. High performance thin liquid chromatography revealed the consistent presence of Dadima in all 3 samples, with retention factor (Rf) values of 0.74, 0.79 and 0.74, respectively and a peak area eight times higher than that of the other ingredients. This aligns with its dominant quantity of 8 phala in the formulation, while the other ingredients are present in 1 phala, half, or quarter proportions. Heavy metal content was within WHO safety limits. These findings validate Dadimashtaka choornam potential as a safe and effective antibacterial agent and its comparative study reveals that sample C closely follows the classical Ayurvedic proportions, which is also supported by its higher total peak area.
Copyright (c) 2026 Saranya K S, Sijay Jayan Dev, Dinesh M D, Saranya N, Nithya Jayan, Vinoth Kumar, Abdul Bari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparative in vitro efficacy of fungicides and homoeopathic preparations against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary in ajwain
Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L.) Sprague is a high-value seed spice crop in India with considerable medicinal and culinary importance, yet its production is severely limited by stem rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, resulting in yield losses exceeding 50–80 %, with major economic implications for farmers and the spice export market. This study tested the hypothesis that selected homoeopathic formulations can reproducibly suppress fungal growth, providing environmentally safe and economically viable alternatives to chemical fungicides. In vitro evaluation revealed complete inhibition of S. sclerotiorum by propiconazole 11.9 % + azoxystrobin 7.1 % (Apropo), tebuconazole 18.3 % + azoxystrobin 11 % (Custodia) and difenoconazole 11.4 % + azoxystrobin 18.2 % (Amistar Top) at 150 ppm, while hexaconazole 5 % emulsifiable concentrate (EC), propiconazole 25 % EC and azoxystrobin 23 % suspension concentrate (SC) showed substantial inhibition. Among homoeopathic treatments, Calcarea carbonica and Thuja occidentalis achieved over 70 % inhibition. By integrating experimental results with published literature, patents and prior studies, this work provides a robust, interdisciplinary framework connecting plant pathology, homoeopathy and sustainable agriculture. The findings reveal a breakthrough: ultra-diluted biological preparations can complement fungicides, reduce chemical dependency, mitigate resistance development and support low-input, organic and export-oriented spice production systems. Economically, adoption of these strategies could protect yield worth millions of USD annually, while minimising environmental and regulatory risks. Future research should focus on field validation, application optimisation, biochar integration and techno-economic modelling, ensuring global applicability and maximising agronomic, ecological and financial benefits.
Copyright (c) 2026 Bhabani Sankar Rout, Ashim Kumar Mishra, Chandra Sekhar Choudhary, Rabindra Prasad, Ram Kumar Choudhary, Dinesh Rai, Anshuman Raul https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Genetic variability, heritability and correlation analysis in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes in North Western Ethiopia
Wheat productivity in Ethiopia remains low (3.1 ton ha-1), highlighting the need for genetic improvement programs. This study assessed genetic variability, heritability and correlation analysis in 160 bread wheat genotypes tested across 2 sites and seasons using an alpha lattice design. The study revealed substantial variation in yield and related traits, indicating a strong potential for selection. Grain yield showed high genetic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, while those for 1000 kernel weight (TKW) and spike length were moderate and for most other traits, they were low. Genetic advance was notable only for yield and TKW, with high genetic advance as a percentage of mean (GAM) observed for yield, TKW and spike length. Spikelet number and kernel number per spike displayed moderate GAM, whereas remaining traits were low. High heritability (>60 %) for most studied traits indicate that the observed variations were predominantly under genetic control and less influenced by the environment. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was observed between agronomic traits. These findings provide valuable guidance for breeders in developing high yielding wheat varieties adapted to diverse environments.
Copyright (c) 2026 Workineh Fenta, Assefa Sintayehu, Tesfaye Alemu, Tilahun Mekonnen, Kassahun Tesfaye https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Virome profiling of pigeonpea using high-throughput sequencing and development of LAMP assay for PPSMV detection
Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp) is a major pulse crop vulnerable to various biotic stresses including viral diseases. In addition to known viruses, novel and emerging viruses further threaten its production. In the current study, a survey was conducted in pigeonpea fields of Karnataka, India during 2023-24. The incidence of pigeonpea viral diseases in the surveyed areas ranged from 2 to 34 %. During the survey thirty virus infected pigeonpea samples were collected for virome analysis. Total RNA extracted from fifteen samples each from Northern and Southern Karnataka was pooled separately into two equimolar RNA samples and subjected to virome profiling. The rRNA-depleted RNA was used to prepare mRNA libraries, which were sequenced on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. Virome analyses revealed the presence of three different viruses: pigeonpea sterility mosaic virus 1 (PPSMV 1), pigeonpea sterility mosaic virus 2 (PPSMV 2) and horsegram yellow mosaic virus (HgYMV) from Northern Karnataka and only PPSMV 1 from Southern Karnataka. Sequencing was validated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in individual samples, which revealed the prevalence of PPMSV 1, PPMSV 2 and HgYMV in Karnataka, India. Further, a reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) diagnostic assay was developed to detect PPMSV, which can be used for routine detection. Among the identified viruses in pigeonpea, HgYMV is reported for the first time from Karnataka, India.
Copyright (c) 2026 K S Ashwini, R Kruthika, M Bharath, Mantesh Muttappagol, Shadab M K, T M Ningaraju, K Sridhara Gupta, V Venkataravanappa, K S Shankarappa, C R Jahir Basha, C N Lakshminarayana Reddy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Altitudinal effects on the chemical profile and antimicrobial activity of Selinum tenuifolium Salisb. essential oils
The volatile compositions of the aerial and underground sections of the wildly growing Selinum tenuifolium Salisb. (Apiaceae) in the Chopta region of Uttarakhand, India, plants were investigated at three varying elevations (2150 m, 2593 m and 3178 m). Field sampling was conducted in September 2021 during the flowering stage. Plant materials were collected from 3–4 individual plants at each elevation. Employing a Clevenger apparatus, we isolated the sample’s volatile elements, which were then analysed via capillary gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection (GC-FID) followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Six aerial components were discovered, making up 54 %, 67 % and 76 % of the total oil composition. Meanwhile, 18 elements constituted 77.6 %, 72.8 % and 75.0 % of the overall composition. Terpenoids, including α-Pinene, Limonene and 14-hydroxy-δ-cadinene, were the main components in the oil of underground regions. Antibacterial activity against 8 bacterial strains and antifungal activity against 4 fungi were both assessed on the oil samples. According to the findings, oil from underground regions growing at a height of 2150 m was effective against SA-96 and SE Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)=250 g/mL). Plants growing at an altitude of 2150 m produced essential oils that were very active against SE (MIC=125 g/mL). Maximum fungicidal activity against CA-227 (FIC=250 g/mL) was observed in oil from the underground and aerial parts growing at an altitude of 2150 m. Therefore, essential oils from both aerial and underground parts of S. tenuifolium harvested at 2150 m elevation are recommended as potential natural antifungal agents, particularly for controlling Candida albicans infections. This low-altitude population should be prioritised for sustainable cultivation and commercial development of antifungal formulations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ravi PS, Sachin K, Monika B, Nitesh S, Lav S, Shivaraman P, Arpit S, Sajendra KV, Shatrughan S, Parveen CV, Gauri S https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Molecular characterisation and genetic diversity in mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) using SSR markers
Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) is India's third most important pulse crop, accounting for nearly 16 % of total pulse area. Mungbean is grown in almost all the states. India is the major producer of mungbean in the world. Mungbean crop diversity and mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) afflicted area has continuously raised since the mid-1990s. Because of its sensitivity to the MYMV, the average yield of mungbean is poor. Mungbean yellow mosaic virus disease (MYMD) is caused by the MYMV, which is transferred by whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci). Several types of molecular markers have been used for breeding in mungbean, among which SSR markers have rapidly become a preferred type of molecular marker for germplasm analysis because SSR markers are locus specific, highly polymorphic due to their co-dominant nature. In the current study, a total of 12 genotypes were assessed against the MYMV in Kharif, 2021, together with the susceptible control local mungbean. The detection of genetic variation in mungbean genotypes was effectively done using a total of 14 SSR markers. Disease resistance phenotypes and SSR marker analyses showed a good correlation. Phenotypic screening identified nine resistant, 2 moderately resistant and one susceptible genotype (LGG450). Molecular analysis revealed that 12 out of 14 SSR markers were polymorphic, with polymorphism information content (PI values ​​ranging from 0.15 to 0.63 (average 0.38). These findings demonstrate a high degree of genetic variability across various mungbean genotypes, to improve the resistance of the mungbean genotypes to MYMV, resistance genotypes identified to be useful.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sampat KK, Bishun DP, Sangita S https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Synthesis and characterisation of Celosia cristata L. flower extract-based silver nanoparticles as effective antimicrobial agent for plant protection
Plant systems are a natural reservoir of phytochemicals that may act as agents for reducing silver ions into nanoparticles. This study reports the green synthesis and characterisation of silver nanoparticles using Celosia cristata L. flower extract and evaluates their antimicrobial efficacy against key plant pathogens: Alternaria solani, Fusarium graminearum and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. The biosynthesis involved the use of phytochemicals as natural reducing/stabilising agents and silver nitrate. The formation of silver nanoparticles was indicated by a colour change and confirmed by a surface plasmon resonance peak at 426 nm in UV–Visible spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a face-centred cubic crystalline structure with dominant (111) orientation and transmission electron microscopy showed mostly spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 13 nm. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy identified functional groups responsible for capping and stabilisation. Antimicrobial activity was demonstrated through agar well diffusion with notable inhibition zones: 26 ± 1.00 mm (A. solani), 23 ± 2.00 mm (F. graminearum) and 21 ± 0.5 mm (X. oryzae pv. oryzae). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) as observed in the investigation was 78.1 mg/mL (for A. solani) and 156.2 mg/mL (for F. graminearum and X. oryzae pv. oryzae). The findings highlight the potential of C. cristata-derived silver nanoparticles as eco-friendly biocontrol agents in sustainable agriculture, offering a promising alternative to conventional chemical pesticides.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sakil M, Abha V, Neelesh K https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluation of morpho-biological indicators of the winter wheat RIL population resistant to yellow rust
Yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) is a critical threat to wheat production in Uzbekistan, often resulting in significant yield losses. Developing resilient varieties through recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations is essential to stabilise regional food security. This study evaluated the morpho-biological and agronomic performance of an F8 RIL population (n = 100) derived from a cross between the resistant donor KR12-9010 and the high-yielding recurrent parent Jaykhun. The experiment was conducted during 2024–2025 at the Centre of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Tashkent (41°20' N, 69°18' E), using a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Plants were grown under an artificial infectious background created using a 1:300 ratio of P. striiformis urediniospores powder. Key observations included tillering, plant height, spike length, grain count per spike and grain weight per spike. Statistical analyses, including K-means clustering and analysis of variance (ANOVA), identified 43 “RIL_max” lines that were significantly superior to the recurrent parent Jaykhun. Notably, 26 elite lines surpassed the recipient in all evaluated traits and matched or exceeded the donor line KR12-9010, even under high disease pressure. These lines demonstrated successful introgression of resistance along with improved yield components. These findings provide advanced germplasm for wheat breeding programmes, offering a practical solution for sustainable production in rust-affected areas.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jurabek K Norbekov, Naim N Khusenov, Ilyos S Normamatov, Umid A Boykobilov, Abdusalom Kh Makamov, Maftuna M Kholmuradova, Ravshanbek I Mukhammadaliev, Mamatkul A Juraev, Venera S Kamburova, Nodira R Rakhmatova, Sharofiddin I Mamanazarov, Yo'ldoshbek A Muhammadov, Ilkhomjon E Bozorov, Bakhtiyor K Rakhmanov, Zabardast T Buriev https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Additions of two new families (Petiveriaceae and Talinaceae) to the flora of Manipur, India
The present investigation on the angiosperm flowering plants revealed two families, viz., Petiveriaceae and Talinaceae, for the first time in the flora of Manipur, Northeast India. Rivina humilis L. represents the family Petiveriaceae, whereas Talinaceae is represented by Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn. and T. fruticosum (L) Juss. respectively. According to the available literature, all three taxa recorded, viz., R. humilis, T. paniculatum and T. fruticosum, are introduced plants and their occurrence in Manipur indicates that they have expanded their distributional range within the state. Detailed morphological descriptions and colour photographs are provided for easy identification.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kholi Kaini, K Shamran Maring, Urikkhimbam Leishilembi, Rachel Sochui Maheo, Sochanngam Kashung, Athokpam Pinokiyo , Kazhuhrii Eshuo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phenotypic characterization and genetic dissection of the yield-attributing traits of exotic quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa L.) germplasm
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa L.) is a highly nutritious, climate-resilient crop with high levels of phenotypic and genotypic variability. Three replications of a randomised complete block design (RBCD) were used in a field experiment at the Bangladesh Agricultural University in Mymensingh for phenotypic characterisation of 46 quinoa genotypes and genetic dissection of traits which are crucial for genetic improvement. The quantitative parameters studied are: days to maturity (DM), plant height (PH), panicle weight (PW), 1000-seed weight (TSW), above ground biomass (AGB), harvest index (HI) and yield per plant (YPP) showed substantial (p ≤ 0.01) differences. Kaust-09755, Kaust-10860, Kaust-09386, Kaust-09385, Kaust-10810, Kaust-09379 and Kaust-10804 showed promising potential for yield improvements. Traits such as PH, PW, AGB and YPP exhibited high heritability and genetic advance. Yield per plant showed significant positive correlations with DM, PH, PW and AGB, with PW and AGB having the strongest direct impacts on yield. Genotypes were grouped into four distinct clusters, based upon D2 analysis, with clusters III and IV being the most divergent. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that PC1 explained 55.10 % of the variability, with high positive loading for YPP, PW and AGB. Cluster and principal component analyses identified Kaust-05784, Kaust-09391, Kaust-10860 and SAU Quinoa-1 as highly divergent and suitable donor parents for future breeding programs.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sadia Akter, Biswajit Das, Adrita Abdullah, Fauzia Afrin Aurin, Naima Sultana, Md Moshiur Rahman, David J. Burritt, Mohammad Anwar Hossain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Tissue-specific expression of vitamin C biosynthetic genes during fruit development in Nagpur sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L.)
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, AsA) is an essential dietary antioxidant primarily obtained from fruits and vegetables, with Citrus serving as one of the most important natural sources. Despite extensive characterization of AsA content in citrus fruits, the molecular regulation of its biosynthesis, recycling and degradation across different tissues remains poorly understood. We analyzed tissue-specific expression of 16 biosynthetic genes in Nagpur sweet orange across three developmental stages. Results revealed that the L-galactose pathway, represented by GMP, GGP, GPP, GME, GDH and GLDH, was the predominant biosynthetic route, with early upregulation in all tissues, followed by tissue-specific modulation during maturation. Myo-inositol pathway genes (MyoOX and MyoIPS) displayed distinct tissue-dependent regulation, with sustained expression in pulp and late activation in albedo, suggesting a conditional role in AsA biosynthesis and cell wall metabolism. Members of the D-galacturonic acid pathway (GalUR8, GalUR10 and GalUR12) exhibited biphasic expression, peaking during fruit maturation, consistent with pectin turnover and localized AsA biosynthesis. Ascorbic acid (AsA) degradation genes (APX2, APX3 and AO) showed differential expression, with APX2 strongly induced in flavedo and pulp during early and late stages, highlighting its role in ROS management. Recycling genes (MDHAR and DHAR) were dynamically regulated, with DHAR induction at maturity in flavedo. Collectively, these findings provide the first tissue-specific molecular framework of AsA metabolism in Indian sweet orange, offering insights for metabolic engineering to enhance vitamin C content and fruit quality.
Copyright (c) 2026 Amarjeet Yadav, Ramesh Joshi, Prashasti Singh, Hussaini Umara Bulakarima, Ibrahim Baba Shehu, Vinod Joshi, Annette Angel , Bennet Angel https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Response of bread wheat cultivar ‘Wane’ (Triticum aestivum L.) to potassium and blended NPSB fertilisers application rates in southern Ethiopia
Bread wheat is a major staple and cash crop in Ethiopia, including the study area. Its productivity is constrained by soil nutrient deficiencies and the lack of location-specific fertiliser recommendations. Accordingly, a field experiment was conducted to determine agronomically and economically optimal rates of potassium and blended nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur and boron (NPSB) fertilisers for bread wheat production in southern Ethiopia. The treatments were factorial combinations of 3 K fertiliser rate levels and five blended NPSB levels, arranged in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Agronomic parameter data were documented for every treatment. The findings indicated that both main effects significantly (p<0.01) impacted most agronomic parameters and the agronomic efficiency (AE) of NPSB. Exceptionally, harvest index (HI) and thousand kernel weight (TKW) were solely impacted by NPSB rates. Grain yield (GY), straw yield (SY), above-ground dry biomass (ABM) and the total number of tillers (TNT) were all greatly impacted by the 2 fertilisers' interaction effect. The combined application of 150 kg NPSB + 50 kg K ha-1 exhibited the maximum AGBM (12179 kg ha-1) and GY (5929 kg ha-1). Therefore, the application of 150 kg NPSB combined with 50 kg K ha-1 is recommended for bread wheat production in the study area.
Copyright (c) 2026 Triengo P, Dereje S, Mesfin K https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effects of deficit irrigation and organic matter on growth and yield of cotton cultivated in three gypsiferous soil types
Agricultural land and the abundance of irrigation water are among the main resources on which food security and the national economy depend, but the limited fertile soils and the deterioration of the characteristics of many types of soils, especially gypsum soils and the scarcity of irrigation water represent a major challenge to sustainable agricultural expansion, especially in arid and semi-arid regions such as Iraq. That's why a study was conducted in Kirkuk Governorate, Hawija District, Riyadh area, using plastic pots to explore the effects of deficit irrigation levels, 50 %, 75 % and 100 % of field capacity (FC), organic fertilisation using sheep manure at 3 concentrations 0, 0.5 and 1 % and gypsum content (5 %, 10 % and 20 %) on the growth, yield and yield components of cotton plants. The previous 3 treatments were distributed according to a completely randomized design (CRD) for the distribution of factorial experiments, with 3 repetitions and the results showed that: the soil amended with 10 % gypsum resulted in superior plant height (68.62 cm), leaf area (3777 cm²), number of bolls (2.41 per plant) and floral cotton yield (38.27 g). The use of 1 % organic fertiliser further improved plant growth and yield, reaching 65.47 cm in height and 38.16 g yield per plant. Full irrigation (100 % FC) recorded the highest values for plant height (69.7 cm), leaf area (3879 cm²) and yield (40.37 g), while 50 % irrigation significantly reduced all measured parameters. The combination application of 10 % gypsum, 1 % organic fertiliser and 100 % FC irrigation produced the best overall performance and productivity under gypsiferous soil conditions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ibrahim Ahmad Hadres, Nashmi Ahmed Hilal, Mohammed Ali Abood, Ahmed Ibrahim Khalaf, Ahmed Fatkhan Zabar Al-Dulaimy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A new record for the flora of Iraq: Astragalus eremophilus Boiss. (Fabaceae), with taxonomic notes and distribution
This study aimed to identify and record the species Astragalus eremophilus Boiss. in Iraq, that belongs to the section Harpilobus. The species was collected during field trips around the Gazelle Reserve, adjacent to Wadi Al-Amsad, located at an altitude of 625 m and about 16 km south of Rutba town within the Western Desert District (DWD) of Iraq, which is located within the Saharo-Sindian region. A comprehensive morphological comparison was made between the newly recorded species and 2 similar species belonging to the same section (Harpilobus) namely Astragalus corrugatus Bertol. and Astragalus hauarensis Boiss.
Copyright (c) 2026 O M Othman, S A Aliwy, M A Al-Shaheen https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Integrated phytochemical, biological and structure-based in silico evaluation of the thyroid modulatory potential of Kaji Nemu (Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck) from Assam
Kaji Nemu (Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck), a unique citrus from Northeast India with extensive nutritional and therapeutic attributes, has been declared the state fruit of Assam and a geographical indication-certified commodity. Despite its known therapeutic activity, this study highlights the phytochemical potential of the methanolic peel extract of Kaji Nemu and its modulatory effects on thyroid-related pathways. The extraction yield was 10.39 %. Qualitative analysis detected tannins, alkaloids, phenols, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids and carbohydrates. Quantitative analysis further showed that the extract contained 18.03 mg/g of total phenols, 2.25 mg/g of total flavonoids and 19.52 mg/g of total tannins. The antioxidant activity assay results showed an IC50 of 42.00 µg/mL in the DPPH assay, alongside strong FRAP and ABTS scavenging activities. The extract demonstrated cytotoxicity against HEK293 cells in the MTT assay, with an IC50 value of 177.7 µg/mL. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified 93 phytochemicals in the extract and reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antithyroid activities. Virtual screening and molecular docking against the thyroid hormone receptor beta 1 (TRβ1) identified 3-tert-Butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, detected through GC-MS analysis, as the lead compound. It showed a strong binding affinity (-6.7 kcal/mol), which was higher than that of the reference antithyroid drug methimazole. HPLC analysis quantified vitamin E and C at 0.09 and 23.97 mg/mL, respectively, supporting its nutritional and functional value. ICP-MS mineral profiling identified sodium as the most abundant element (18.85 mg/L), followed by potassium, calcium and zinc. The study highlights the translational potential of underutilised citrus as safe, novel and effective candidates for thyroid-related treatment, meriting further mechanistic and in vivo studies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Raihana Yashmin, Rubina Ahmed, Sabnoor Yeasrin Jyoti, Jogen Chandra Kalita https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Best linear unbiased prediction based trait association and multivariate analysis in maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids
Ninety-four CIMMYT maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids, along with 6 commercial checks, were evaluated at Kovilpatti, Tamil Nadu, India, during the rabi 2024 and kharif 2025 seasons using an alpha lattice design with two replications to identify major traits associated with grain yield. Significant variability was observed among the hybrids for grain yield and its related traits. Grain yield showed positive association with ear height, number of plants per plot, ear length and ear girth, indicating that ear related traits play a critical role in yield improvement. Path coefficient analysis revealed that number of plants per plot, ear girth and ear length exerted the highest positive direct effects on grain yield, suggesting that these traits can be effectively used as selection criteria in maize breeding programs. Phenotypic correlations followed similar trends but with relatively lower magnitudes, reflecting the influence of environmental factors on trait expression. In contrast, best linear unbiased predictors (BLUP) based correlations were more conservative and provided stable estimates across environments. However, the major trait associations remained consistent across seasons. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped the hybrids into three distinct clusters, demonstrating substantial variability for grain yield and related traits. Principal component analysis (PCA) further confirmed that ear-related and plant architectural traits contributed significantly to the total phenotypic variation. Overall, integrating BLUP based correlation, path coefficient and multivariate analyses enhances selection efficiency and accelerates genetic gain in multi-environment maize breeding programs.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jayasaravanan Desika, Sundararajan Juliet Hepziba, Bindiganavile Sampath Vivek, Sudha Krishnan Nair, Patne Nagesh, Sagala Murali Mohan, Pulime Naga Bhaskara Naidu, Rajasekaran Ravikesavan, Thurapmohideen Abdul Razak, Subbiah Srinivasan, Shanmugavel Saravanan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phytochemical profiling and selective cytotoxic activity of the hexane fraction of Stellaria media (L.) Vill. against human prostate cancer cells
Stellaria media (L.) Vill. is a medicinal plant traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes such as treatment of skin disorders, inflammatory conditions, digestive ailments and minor wounds; however, its anticancer potential against prostate cancer (PCa) has not been adequately investigated. This study aimed to characterise the phytochemical composition of the n-hexane fraction (F1) obtained from the whole plant of S. media and to evaluate its selective cytotoxic activity against human PCa cells. The n-hexane fraction (F1) was obtained by cold maceration of the dried whole plant and subjected to phytochemical profiling using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Cytotoxic activity was evaluated using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay against the human PCa cell line PC3 at different concentrations and incubation periods (24, 48 and 72 hr), while human dermal fibroblast cells (HdFn) were used to assess selectivity. The IC₅₀ values were calculated accordingly. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of various non-polar phytochemical constituents, such as n-hexadecanoic acid, octacosanol and lanosterol. The n-hexane fraction exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against PC3 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, with a progressive decrease in IC₅₀ values over time. In contrast, higher IC₅₀ values were observed in HdFn cells, indicating selective cytotoxicity toward cancer cells. Morphological observations further supported cytotoxic and apoptosis-related changes in treated PC3 cells. The n-hexane fraction of S. media demonstrated selective cytotoxic activity against human PCa cells, which may be attributed to identified non-polar phytochemical constituents. These findings suggest that S. media represents a promising source of plant-derived compounds for further anticancer investigations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Noor Dhaher Mohsen, Thukaa Z Abdul-Jalil https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Epistasis and gene effects for phenology, yield and oil content in sesame revealed by joint-scaling and six-parameter analysis
An investigation was undertaken at the Instructional Farm, Barrister Thakur Chhedilal College of Agriculture and Research Station, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India, a constituent college of Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India to elucidate the nature of gene action for yield and its component traits in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) through generation mean analysis in five crosses, namely Thilarani × TKG 55, Thilarani × Phule til, Thilarani × PKDS 12, Thilarani × JTS 08 and Thilothamma × JTS 08. The adequacy of the additive-dominance model was tested using A, B, C and D scaling tests. Significant scale effects for most traits indicated the presence of non-allelic gene interactions, demonstrating that simple additive-dominance inheritance was insufficient to explain trait expression. Pronounced epistasis was observed for days to 50 % flowering and days to maturity particularly in Thilarani × TKG 55, Thilarani × PKDS 12 and Thilarani × JTS 08, while seed yield per plant showed strong gene interaction in all crosses except Thilothamma × JTS 08. Generation mean analysis using the six-parameter model (m, d, h, i, j, l) revealed that both additive and non-additive gene effects governed the inheritance of the studied characters. Dominance effects were generally higher than additive effects for traits such as number of capsules per plant, biological yield and seed yield, especially in Thilarani × PKDS 12 and Thilarani × JTS 08. Duplicate type epistasis predominated in most crosses, indicating dispersion of favorrable alleles, whereas complementary epistasis was observed in specific combinations such as Thilarani × Phule til and Thilothamma × JTS 08. Traits like capsule length, number of seeds per capsule, thousand seed weight and oil content exhibited appreciable additive effects in certain crosses, suggesting the presence of fixable genetic variance. Overall, the study indicates that yield and its components in sesame are governed by complex inheritance involving additive, dominance and epistatic gene effects, necessitating appropriate breeding strategies for the development of superior genotypes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Roshan Parihar, Rajeev Shrivastava, Mayuri Sahu, Devchand Salam, Sonali Kar, Rajaram Kanwar, Nirmodh Prabha, Kiran Tigga https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Mean performance and per se evaluation of biparental progenies of dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus (L.)) for quantitative, yield and yield-related traits
The study was conducted collaboratively by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-CHES) and the Department of Vegetable Science at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, with the objective of enhancing yield in lablab bean (Lablab purpureus L.), an important legume vegetable. A total of 32 biparental progenies were evaluated in randomized block design with 3 replications for a comprehensive set of traits directly influencing pod and seed production. The results revealed significant variation among the progeny lines across all measured characteristics. Key growth phases, such as days to first germination (2–5 days) and days to first harvest (64–112 days), varied widely, identifying lines suitable for shorter cropping cycles. Important structural components like stem diameter, branch number and inflorescence count also showed considerable variation, indicating differences in plant architecture. Crucially, yield-related traits exhibited a broad range: pod number per plant (36–185), individual pod weight and seed characteristics like size and 100-seed weight (19.36–43.31 g). This directly translated to a wide spectrum of pod yield per plant, with the top-performing line, BP-12, yielding 1120.00 g. The extensive genetic variability observed confirms that the breeding process successfully generated a valuable pool of diverse genetic material. Promising lines, including BP-1, BP-12, BP-21 and BP-18, which excelled in multiple yield attributes, have been identified for further evaluation. The selection of these superior biparental progenies is expected to produce individuals with yields in the subsequent generations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kalyan Kumar Mohanty, Sunil Kumar Dash, Pradyumna Tripathy, Gouri Shankar Sahu, A V V Koundinya, Manasi Dash, Sunil Samal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Isolation and spectroscopic characterisation of scopoletin from the chloroform fraction of the whole plant of Iraqi Rhanterium epapposum Oliv.
Rhanterium epapposum Oliv. is a desert plant from the family Asteraceae, widely distributed in Iraq and traditionally utilised for treating skin infections and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as for its insecticidal properties. However, its phytochemical composition, particularly with respect to coumarin constituents, remains insufficiently explored. The present study aimed to isolate and identify a major coumarin compound from the whole plant of Iraqi R. epapposum. The coarse powdered plant material was defatted with n-hexane, extracted by cold maceration with 85 % aqueous methanol and subjected to successive solvent fractionation. The chloroform fraction was selected for further purification based on its phytochemical profile. Thin-layer chromatography revealed a prominent fluorescent spot indicative of a coumarin compound and high-performance liquid chromatography confirmed its presence. The compound was isolated using preparative layer chromatography and obtained as a single major constituent (coded DA10) with a yield of 0.013 %. Structural identification was achieved through combined chromatographic and spectroscopic analyses, including ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) spiking, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which showed excellent agreement with an authenticated scopoletin standard. The isolated compound DA10 was identified as scopoletin. This study provides the first confirmed isolation and comprehensive characterisation of scopoletin from R. epapposum collected in Iraq. These findings contribute to the phytochemical profiling of the Iraqi chemotype of the species and provide a scientific basis for future investigations on the biological activities and pharmacological potential of the isolated coumarin and other fractions of the plant.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dina Abdullah Eida, Enas Jawad Kadhim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Multi-trait evaluation of exotic bold-seeded soybean germplasm for vegetable-type breeding under Indian conditions
The study assessed 109 soybean genotypes including 105 exotic bold-seeded accessions and four checks to identify promising donors for vegetable soybean breeding under Indian conditions. A wide range of variability was observed for yield and related traits with 80 accessions categorised as bold seeded (>13 g/100 seeds) following distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) criteria. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into three clusters with Cluster III showing superior combinations of bold seed size and yield. Principal component analysis explained 73.2 % of total variation and PC2 was closely associated with productivity and seed weight. Positive associations among yield traits and test weight while negative relationships with maturity traits indicated opportunities for simultaneous improvement. Using the multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI), 11 superior genotypes (G34, G105, G68, G29, G65, G44, G42, G26, G104, G50, G7) were identified combining bold seed size, earliness and high yield potential. These findings provide valuable direction for breeding bold-seeded, high-yielding vegetable soybean cultivars suited to Indian conditions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Vangala Rajesh, Sanjay Gupta, V Nataraj, G K Satpute, Giriraj Kumawat, Lokesh Kumar Meena, Sanjeev Kumar, K H Singh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An integrative analysis approach for combining ability, heterosis and SSR-based genetic diversity in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss.) for seed yield and quality traits
This study integrates a line × tester analysis with SSR marker-based diversity assessment in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss.) to identify promising parent combinations for breeding. Ten elite mustard lines and four testers were crossed (line × tester) to produce 40 hybrids, which along with parents were evaluated in a randomized block design with 3 replicates for 15 agro-morphological and quality traits. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant genetic variability in both general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects for most traits, indicating the involvement of both additive and non-additive gene actions. Notably, lines such as PR-2019-9 and PR-2019-2 showed high positive GCA for seed yield and key yield components, while certain crosses like PR-2019-2 × Albeli and PR-2017-11 × RB-101 exhibited high SCA for yield. Significant heterosis for seed yields were observed, with better-parent heterosis reaching approximately 68 % and standard heterosis up to 50 %, the highest standard heterosis being recorded in the cross PR-2019-2 × Albeli. Molecular characterisation with 20 polymorphic SSR markers yielded a high polymorphism information content (PIC) up to 0.79. Pairwise Jaccard similarity ranged from 0.45 to 0.85, with the most genetically distant genotypes being PRD-14-13 and PR-2019-9. The UPGMA clustering grouped the 14 genotypes into 3 major clusters, broadly separating the parental lines and identifying distinctly divergent genotypes. Interestingly, line PR-2019-2 and tester Albeli fell into different clusters, reflecting their divergent genetic backgrounds. These findings demonstrate how integrating phenotypic combining ability analysis with molecular diversity assessment can guide the strategic selection of parent lines for developing high-yield mustard hybrids.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sanjay Palakurthy, Basu Sudhakar Reddy, Anu Singh , Usha Pant https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring the anticancer potential of bioactive fractions of Erythrina variegata L. in MDA-MB-231 cell lines
Erythrina variegata L. (Fabaceae) has been traditionally reported to possess antitumour, expectorant, febrifuge, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. In the present work, the methanol extract of stem bark of E. variegata (MEV) and its fractions such as hexane (HFEV), chloroform (CFEV), ethylacetate (EAFEV) and methanol (MFEV) were assessed for their cytotoxic potential against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line MDA-MB-231 using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. In this MTT assay, the chloroform fraction was found to be the most potent. Apoptotic changes induced by CFEV were further examined through acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) dual staining and 4′, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. Expression of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 was analysed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Phytochemical profiling of the extract was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HRLC-MS). The findings demonstrated a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect of CFEV in the cell lines. In silico docking study revealed that compounds like melochinone (-8.4 kcal/mol), sesamin (-7.9 kcal/mol), muricinine (-7 kcal/mol), 5-hydroxy-3-methoxysativan (-7.3 kcal/mol), 2,3-dihydroxy p-cumate (-6.2 kcal/mol) and alpinumisoflavone (-8.3 kcal/mol) had good binding affinity with Bcl-2 protein. Furthermore, it triggered apoptotic cell death through the mitochondrial-dependent intrinsic pathway, suggesting that E. variegata may serve as a promising source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential against breast cancer.
Copyright (c) 2026 Parvathy V, Bibu JK https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phytochemical characterisation of Parthenium hysterophorus L. extracts and their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities
Parthenium hysterophorus L. is a noxious and highly invasive weed known for its adverse effects on livestock and human health. Despite its negative impact, the plant possesses notable therapeutic potential. This study investigated the phytochemical composition, conducted quantitative analyses and evaluated the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of various P. hysterophorus extracts. The crude extract of methanol and ethyl acetate of different plant parts was prepared using maceration techniques and antibacterial activity of its crude extract through the agar well diffusion method. The methanol leaves extract exhibited the highest phenolic content (20.38 ± 0.02 mg/g GAE [gallic acid equivalent]), followed by the methanol flower extract (18.99 ± 0.02 mg/g GAE). The ethyl acetate flower extract showed the highest flavonoid content (123.98 ± 5.7 mg/g QE [quercetin equivalent]), while the methanol stems extract contained the most alkaloids (566 ± 6.14 mg/g AAE [ascorbic acid equivalent]). In terms of antioxidant activity, the methanol flower extract demonstrated greater DPPH radical scavenging capacity (IC₅₀ = 482.99 µg/mL) compared to the ethyl acetate leaves extract (IC₅₀ = 637.63 µg/mL). The strongest ABTS scavenging activity was observed in the ethyl acetate leaf extract (IC₅₀ = 79.04 µg/mL) and the methanol flower extract exhibited superior ferric reducing antioxidant power. Antibacterial testing revealed the highest activity against Microbacterium sp. (26.33 ± 0.57 mm at 60 mg/mL) in the ethyl acetate leaf extract. The extract effectiveness against all tested bacterial strains ranked as follows: methanol flower > ethyl acetate leaf > methanol leaf > methanol root > ethyl acetate root > methanol stem. The Ultraviolet–Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses further confirmed the presence of key bioactive compounds. These findings highlight the potential of P. hysterophorus as a source of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents, which may serve as alternatives to synthetic compounds.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aman Saket, Amrita Singh, Meenakshi Devi, Pooja Pant, Preeti Singh, Heena Choudhary, Shivani Singh, Shashi Pandey, Rekha Gupta, Ajay Singh, Sonu Dwivedi, Prabhakar P Badoni, Nitesh Singh, T Srinivasan, A K Shukla https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Macro- and microelement composition of Cichorium intybus L. from Uzbekistan
The present study investigates the distribution of macro- and microelements in Cichorium intybus L. collected from different ecological sites within the Samarkand region of Uzbekistan. Elemental analysis was performed separately for aboveground organs (leaves and stems) and underground parts (roots) following standardised sample preparation protocols. Quantitative determination of elemental composition was carried out using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF, Rigaku, Japan). The analysis confirmed the accumulation of essential macroelements, including calcium, potassium, magnesium and sodium, along with a range of trace elements such as iron, zinc, copper, manganese, cobalt, nickel, chromium, lead and molybdenum. Distinct organ-specific patterns were observed: root tissues were characterised by elevated levels of calcium and potassium, while leaf samples showed comparatively higher concentrations of iron, zinc and manganese, which are closely associated with metabolic and photosynthetic activity. Variations in elemental content were also influenced by local environmental conditions. These results highlight the mineral richness of C. intybus and support its potential relevance for further phytochemical, nutritional and pharmacological investigations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tadjiyev Jamshid, Shukrullozoda Roza, Khaydarov Khislat, Umurzakova Zebuniso, Turabekov Shakhzod, Bazarov Baxritdin, Ismayilova Marhamat, Xolbekov Baxodir https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of Trichoderma harzianum Rifai and mycorrhizal fungi on total phenolics, peroxidase and glycoalkaloids in Fusarium oxysporum Schltdl. infected tomato plants
Pathogenicity tests of Fusarium oxysporum Schltdl. isolates on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) demonstrated a significant capacity to induce seed rot and seedling damping-off under greenhouse conditions. The most virulent isolate, confirmed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR), was selected for further study. Inoculation with Trichoderma harzianum and mycorrhizal fungi substantially enhanced the total phenolic content and peroxidase (POX) enzyme activity in F. oxysporum-infected plants. Furthermore, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that these biological control agents significantly boosted the biosynthesis of key secondary metabolites, specifically the glycoalkaloids (GAs) α-tomatine, tomatidine and solanine. The interaction between F. oxysporum and T. harzianum resulted in the highest accumulation of these defense-related compounds compared to plants infected with the pathogen alone. These findings suggest that T. harzianum and mycorrhizal fungi activate the plant’s systemic resistance by modulating physiological and biochemical defense mechanisms against Fusarium wilt.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rusul Abdulatef Abdulhussein Altamemi, Zeinab A M Al-Tememe, Amira Mougou https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Estimation of genetic parameters and variance components in biparental progenies of lablab bean (Lablab purpureus L.)
The existing variation in the lablab bean is limited primarily owing to its self-pollination. Hence, bi-parental mating was attempted in the F3 generation of a cross between Arka Swagat × S.16. A study was conducted using 32 biparental progenies (BP₁), derived from a North Carolina Design II (NCD II) mating design to evaluate genetic variability, heritability and gene action for yield and related traits in lablab bean (Lablab purpureus L.) under a randomized block design with two replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among sets for key traits, including number of flowers per inflorescence, pod width, number of pods per plant, shelling percentage and pod fresh weight, indicating substantial genetic variability. The genetic analysis indicated that pod yield per plant exhibited the highest estimates for genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), heritability (broad-sense) and genetic advance as percent of mean (GAM). Similarly, high values for these parameters were observed for the number of pods per plant and the number of flowers per inflorescence. Shelling percentage and pod width exhibited moderate to high GCV, PCV, heritability and GAM, suggesting good scope for selection. Traits such as the number of inflorescences per plant and primary branches per plant showed moderate heritability but lower GAM, indicating a limited response to selection. In contrast, the number of seeds per pod, pod fresh weight and pod dry weight were characterized by low heritability and low GAM, reflecting a greater influence of non-additive gene effects and environmental factors. Narrow-sense heritability was highest for shelling percentage, pod yield per plant, number of flowers per inflorescence, pod width and number of pods per plant, whereas moderate narrow-sense heritability was recorded for the number of primary branches per plant, seeds per pod, pod fresh weight and pod dry weight. The average degree of dominance exceeded unity for all traits, indicating the presence of partial to overdominance gene action in the inheritance of the traits studied. Overall, pod yield per plant and its major contributing traits emerged as reliable selection criteria for genetic improvement in lablab bean.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kalyan Kumar Mohanty, Sunil Kumar Dash, Pradyumna Tripathy, Gouri Shankar Sahu, AVV Koundinya, Manasi Dash, Sunil Samal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Tinospora cordifolia GCMS profiling and cytotoxic effect on HCT 116- in vitro assay: Anticancer phytochemical screening
An assessment of ethylacetate extract of Tinospora cordifolia extract (TCE) antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxicity on HCT116 properties were undertaken in light of its possible application as an anticancer agent against colon cancer. Compounds from the stem were Soxhlet extracted with ethyl acetate and identified through GCMS. Antibacterial activity by disc diffusion and conventional in vitro antioxidant assays was performed. The cytotoxicity of the extract was studied by MTT assay. The data of the GC–MS profile highlights 20 diverse chemical compounds. The extract exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity on clinical pathogens with relative inhibition of 83 to 107 % and the zone of inhibition was found to be concentration-dependent. The antioxidant assay of the extract showed the strongest DPPH scavenging with an IC₅₀ value of 12.07 µg/mL, which, although higher, showed promising free radical scavenging and the IC50 values were 331.97, 12.078 and 67.867 µg/mL on OH scavenging, DPPH and metal chelation. The effect of the extract on the viability of HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cells showed induced cell death significantly at higher concentration and the calculated IC₅₀ value was 359 µg/mL. Morphological examination and apoptosis assays further confirmed that cell death was predominantly apoptotic nature in cancerous cells. The molecular docking of compounds 2-Fluoro-3-trifluoromethylbenzoic acid from the extract was found to be strongest binding affinity and non-toxic drug likeness, identified as a promising new anticancer compound.
Copyright (c) 2026 Manimozhi S, Sumathi V https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phytochemical characterisation and biosafety profiling of Elsholtzia communis (Collett & Hemsl.) Diels essential oil using zebrafish embryos
Elsholtzia communis (Collett & Hemsl.) Diels is traditionally used in herbal medicine, yet the phytochemical composition and developmental safety of its flower-derived essential oil remain insufficiently explored. This study aimed to characterise the essential oil of E. communis flowers (EOEC), evaluate its antioxidant and antibacterial activities and assess its developmental toxicity using zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. The EOEC was extracted by hydro-distillation and characterised using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Antioxidant potential was evaluated through DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, while antibacterial activity against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was determined using agar well diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. Developmental toxicity was assessed in zebrafish embryos by monitoring mortality and morphological abnormalities to calculate LC₅₀ values. The GC-MS analysis revealed citral-A (geranial, 45.5 %) and citral-B (neral, 37.8 %) as the major constituents of EOEC, while FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of characteristic OH, C=O and CH functional groups. EOEC exhibited moderate antioxidant activity with EC₅₀ values of 45.12 µg/mL (DPPH) and 43.15 µg/mL (ABTS) and demonstrated significant antibacterial effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. Zebrafish embryo assays showed clear dose-dependent lethality and developmental abnormalities, with LC₅₀ values of 123 µg/mL for EOEC and 145 µg/mL for citral. Notably, adverse developmental effects occurred at concentrations close to those producing biological activity. In conclusion, EOEC possesses promising antioxidant and antibacterial properties but exhibits concentration-dependent embryotoxicity, emphasising the need for careful dose optimisation and biosafety evaluation prior to therapeutic or nutraceutical applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Birjit Singh Waikhom, Sangeeta Yanglem, Keisham Niranjan Singh, Lokendrajit Nahakpam, Thangal Yumnamcha, Maibam Damayanti Devi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Window-aware chill and heat requirements in olive: Partial least squares-derived thermal windows validated using Sentinel-2 NDVI
Olive flowering depends on two sequential thermal phases: winter chilling for endodormancy release, followed by spring heat accumulation for pre-anthesis development. Under increasing inter-annual variability, fixed calendar sums may misrepresent the true periods of thermal control. This study proposes a window-aware framework that objectively identifies the most influential chilling and forcing windows and cross-validates their phenological coherence using satellite greenness dynamics. Five seasons (2019–2020 to 2023–2024) were analysed for three olive cultivars (Picholine Marocaine, Haouzia, Menara) in the Middle Atlas (Morocco) with field observations of full bloom (BBCH scale stage 65; BBCH 65). Daily minimum/maximum temperatures (Tmin/Tmax) were reconstructed to hourly series to compute Chill Portions (Dynamic Model) and Growing Degree Hours (GDH; base 4.5 °C) for quantifying chill and heat requirements. Partial least squares (PLS) regression with leave-one-year-out stability screening isolated two robust windows: late November–mid-January (chilling) and late February–late March (forcing). Mean chilling requirements were similar across cultivars (~69 Chill Portions (CP); Coefficient of Variation (CV) ~10–13 %), whereas forcing demand differed (mean GDH ≈ 7864 for Haouzia, 8524 for Menara, 8967 for Picholine Marocaine). Sentinel-2 normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) (moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS), fallback) showed that the spring NDVI peak occurs ~1 month before BBCH 65 and therefore does not directly indicate full bloom timing in evergreen olive canopies. In contrast, BBCH 65 consistently fell within the start/end of season (SOS–EOS) envelope, providing a robust coherence check. This workflow provides objective thermal windows, cultivar-specific forcing fingerprints and an earth-observation (EO)-based coherence check for climate-ready cultivar selection in Mediterranean conditions for phenological forecasting and varietal adaptation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Houssam-Eddine Boukhriss, Osama Kodad, Meryem Erami, Halima Hajjioui, Hanae Nayar, Adnane El Yaacoubi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Biogenic zinc nanoparticles synthesized from Terminalia chebula Retz: A sustainable approach to synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial studies
Zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) are particularly valuable due to their broad applications, including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-diabetic and wound healing properties. In this study the phytochemicals of Terminalia chebula Retz. fruits were extracted via Soxhlet extraction and cold extraction method using methanol as solvent after that, ZnNPs were synthesized using a green chemistry methodology employing the above methanolic extracts. After the synthesis, qualitative phytochemical analysis of the extract was executed to precisely identify the key biomolecules responsible for facilitating the nanoparticle formation. The ZnNPs were characterized using UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Subsequently, their effectiveness as an antibacterial agent was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Visual observation confirmed nanoparticles formation through a colour change from brown to creamy. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed characteristic absorption peak around 360–380 nm, which is the typical excitonic peak of Zn nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the highly crystalline and polycrystalline nature of the zinc nanoparticles, while FTIR spectra revealed differences in extraction efficiency between Soxhlet and cold extraction methods. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed irregular morphology and agglomerated clusters of the synthesized ZnNPs. Crucially, the T. chebula mediated ZnNPs demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, often surpassing streptomycin, with optimal activity between 150–200 µg/mL, highlighting its potential as a source for natural antimicrobial compounds.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aakanksha Sharma, Neha Behar, Rupal Purena https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A quantitative ethnoveterinary study of traditional medicinal plants used for the management of livestock diseases in Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu, India
The present study aimed to document, analyze and evaluate the traditional knowledge and use of medicinal plants employed for treating livestock diseases by rural communities in the Tiruchirappalli district. Many farmers (82 %) in the Tiruchirappalli district depend on animal husbandry for their livelihood and practice ethnoveterinary medicine. Ethnoveterinary field surveys were conducted from 2023–2024 across different seasons and 280 respondents, including farmers and traditional healers were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires across multiple villages. Data were analyzed quantitatively using informant consensus factor (ICF), relative frequency of citation (RFC) and use value (UV) indices to assess the importance and agreement of reported species. A total of 45 plant species belonging to 43 genera and 25 families were documented for managing seven categories of livestock ailments, including gastrointestinal, gynaecological, dermatological, cold and fever, respiratory, poisoning and general health disorders. The Fabaceae family was the most represented with eight species recorded in the survey. Leaves (92 %) and roots (87 %) were the most frequently used plant parts and raw plant material was the preferred method. Piper betel L., Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link, Aerva lanata (L.) Juss., Cassytha filiformis L., Aloe vera (Burm.) f. and Bambusa vulgaris Schrad ex. J. C. Wendl. recorded the highest citation and use values. The findings demonstrate a high level of consensus among informants and emphasize the relevance of traditional plant-based knowledge for sustainable livestock healthcare and future pharmacological investigations.
Copyright (c) 2026 M Sathiyabama, T Kokila Prinsha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Optimizing storage protocols to preserve the nutraceutical value of Ficus carica L. (Moraceae)
Ficus carica L. (fig) is traditionally used to treat diverse diseases. However, despite its health benefits, fig fruit deteriorates quickly after harvesting due to its delicate nature. This study aimed to examine the influence of storage conditions on the biological efficacy of F. carica. The extracts of F. carica were subjected to analysis of total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and disc diffusion assay. The room temperature drying (RTD) fig extracts, especially those of the purple variety (RTD-P), were more bioactive than their counterparts, with a maximum flavonoid content (77.1 mg QE/g) and excellent antioxidant potential (DPPH IC50 = 20.2 µg/mL, FRAP = 23.6 mmol Fe2+/g). Moreover, the RTD extracts exhibited high potential to inhibit α-glucosidase (IC50 46.2 µg/mL) and potent inhibition against Escherichia coli (17.8 mm), Citrobacter freundii (13.9 mm) and Enterobacter aerogenes (8.4 mm). The RTD results in the retention of more compounds, which contributes to its biological activities. Future studies should profile the chemical composition of each drying method to obtain a better understanding of the effects of the drying methods on the degradation of compounds.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdulrahaman Mahmoud Dogara, Harmand A Hama , Dogan Ozdemir https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Antimicrobial potential of Rhus coriaria, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Syzygium aromaticum and Punica granatum plant extracts against Streptococcus pneumoniae: An in vitro study
For a long time, traditional treatment has gained approbation of ancient people, elders and people under poverty. The antibiotic-resistant, Gram-positive, virulent bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the most significant pathogens responsible for a wide range of nasopharyngeal infections. These infections are often persistent and difficult to treat due to the organism’s Gram-positive nature and multiple virulence factors, including a polysaccharide capsule that protects the bacterium from host defenses. In addition, S. pneumoniae rapidly develops mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, further complicating effective treatment. Finding a sustainable alternative treatment, particularly from plant sources, has gained traction due to the bacterium's increasing antibiotic resistance. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Rhus coriaria L., Hibiscus sabdariffa L., Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry and Punica granatum L., were assayed on S. pneumoniae, which was diagnosed by biochemical tests. Sensitivity test was carried out in comparison with standard antibiotic disc. Cytotoxicity test on blood cells were also performed. The antimicrobial susceptibility assays showed that S. pneumoniae was moderately sensitive for R. coriaria, H. sabdariffa, S. aromaticum and P. granatum. These plant extracts can be suggested as a traditional treatment alternative to antibiotics.
Copyright (c) 2026 Israa Abed Ali Al-Hawani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Interaction between seeding rates and different wheat varieties in improving yield
An experiment was conducted during the winter season of 2023–2024 on the farm of one of the farmers, using a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with a split-plot arrangement and three replications. The study aimed to investigate the effect of three seeding rates (100, 140 and 180 kg ha-1) as the main treatments on the growth and yield of five wheat varieties (Fayad, Al-Rashid, Tamouz, IPA 99 and Al-Hashimiyya) as the subplots. The results showed that the seeding rate of 100 kg ha-1 resulted in the highest mean values for flag leaf area, 1000-grain weight and harvest index, with values of 15.36 cm², 47.20 g and 26.56 %, respectively. On the other hand, the 180 kg ha-1 seeding rate exhibited superior performance in biological yield and total yield, with values of 21.16 t ha-1 and 5.71 t ha-1, respectively. The 140 kg ha-1 seeding rate was distinguished by producing the highest harvest index, with a mean value of 28.87 %. Significant differences were observed among the varieties for most of the traits studied. The variety Al-Rashid achieved the highest mean values for flag leaf area, total yield and harvest index, with 14.71 cm², 5.92 kg ha-1 and 28.90 %, respectively. Meanwhile, the variety Tamouz recorded the highest mean 1000-grain weight, 52.34 g, while the variety IPA 99 exhibited the highest biological yield, reaching 22.58 t ha-1.
Copyright (c) 2026 Husam M Obiad; Zeyad A Abdulhamed; Hamdi J Hammadi, Ahmed Shehab Abd-Allah Ramadan, Ali M Oudah, Akram Mohammed Abood https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Medicinal mosses of Uzbekistan: Biochemical profiling and review of their ethnopharmacological uses
Mosses, a diverse group within the bryophyte division, have been historically used for their medicinal properties. Despite their global distribution and resilience to extreme environmental conditions, their medicinal potential remains underexplored, particularly in regions like Uzbekistan. This study provides the first comprehensive investigation into the medicinal mosses of Uzbekistan, focusing on Brachythecium rutabulum (Hedw.) Schimp. , Funaria hygrometrica Hedw., Marchantia polymorpha L. and Pellia epiphylla (L.) Corda . Using advanced analytical techniques, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), the study determines the biochemical composition, amino acid profiles, carbohydrate content, water-soluble vitamins and elemental concentrations of these species. Results revealed that F. hygrometrica had the highest total amino acid content, particularly rich in arginine, aspartic acid and tyrosine, while B. rutabulum exhibited the highest carbohydrate concentration (19.53 mg/g). Marchantia polymorpha contained the highest levels of water-soluble vitamins, including B and C complexes. Mineral analysis confirmed the presence of 41 essential elements, such as copper, iron, zinc, manganese and selenium, with cadmium and lead concentrations remaining below Uzbekistan’s safety thresholds. In addition, the study reviews traditional medicinal applications of mosses globally, with particular emphasis on those within Uzbekistan's bryoflora. These results emphasise the bioactive potential of bryophytes and enhance the knowledge of their biochemical characteristics, therapeutic value and uses in natural medicine.
Copyright (c) 2026 Farrux Abdirasulov, Mushtaq Ahmad, Aqsa Abid, Kholmurod Zhalov, Sakhib Pardaboyev, Mekhrubon Khurramova, Shazia Sultana, Nagmetullayev Marat, Suyunkulova Shahrizoda, Mamadiyarov Muzaffar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Inheritance of flowering time in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under cold stress conditions
Flowering is the primary characteristic of spermatophytes, which includes key crop plants like chickpea. The duration of flowering in plants with indeterminate growth is directly related to the yield. Early flowering in chickpea extends the reproductive phase, resulting in increased productivity. The experiment was carried out at the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, during the rabi season. The current investigation involved the crossing of the ICC-16349 (donor and cold-tolerant parent) with the GPF-2 (recipient and cold-susceptible parent) to produce a total of 80 potential hybrids. Screening of parents was conducted using 51 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers, of which marker TA-180 showed polymorphism. An evaluation was performed under field conditions to investigate the genetics of time to flowering of F2 progeny plants resulting from the cross of chickpea genotypes GPF-2 (which flowers late under cold stress) and ICC-16349 (which flowers early under cold stress). In order to analyse the F2 data and to assess the goodness of fit, the chi-square test (χ2) was applied. During the experiment, TA-180 was used to screen 80 potential hybrids. The results showed that 34 of these hybrids (42.5 %) were confirmed to be actual hybrids. The F2 generation of plants exposed to cold stress exhibited a segregation pattern, with a ratio of 3:1 between late and early flowering plants. This indicates that the trait of late flowering is under monogenic control that suppresses the trait of early flowering. The current work has the potential to aid in the creation of effective breeding strategies for the production of chickpea cultivars that exhibit early flowering under cold conditions. This would result in improved yields for chickpea crops grown in winter in Northern India.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sanchit T, Arshdeep S, Shimpy S, Kritika, Lalam M, Priyanka K https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of environmental and biological factors influencing oil palm productivity decline
This study assessed environmental and biological factors influencing oil palm fruit set and yield decline. This study was conducted in Malaysia, Teluk Intan, Perak State, at the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Research Station during February 2019 to January 2020. The optimal oil palm fruit set is continuously declining, attributed to genetic origins, inflorescence sex ratio, pollinator insect (Elaeidobius kamerunicus Faust) and environmental factors (rainfall, field temperature, wind velocity, evaporation rate and sunshine duration). This study was conducted to investigate the most influential factor responsible for the decline in oil palm fruit set. The analysed results showed that oil to bunch was the highest contributor to oil yield, followed by mesocarp to fruit and fresh fruit bunch. The novelty of this study as a unique contribution to the oil palm industry primarily identified E. kamerunicus as the most influential biological factor in fruit set success, followed by wind velocity and field temperature, especially in older or taller palms with reduced male inflorescence. These findings can be used to develop strategies to combat declining oil palm fruit setting and low oil yield.
Copyright (c) 2026 Senesie Swaray, Mohd Rafii Yusop, Momodu Jalloh, Ansumana Joseph Musa, Mohamed Sesay, Sheku Alhaji Koroma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Ameliorative effects of eugenol and naringenin on perfluorooctanoic acid-induced hepatotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), an environmental pollutant with wide industrial usage, is known to induce hepatotoxicity through oxidative stress, inflammation and lipid dysregulation. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of eugenol and naringenin against PFOA–induced liver damage in Sprague-Dawley rats. Hepatotoxicity was induced via the oral administration of PFOA (40 mg/kg) for 21 days. Simultaneously, the rats were treated with eugenol (5 and 10 mg/kg) and naringenin (10 and 50 mg/kg). Serum biochemical parameters like alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cholesterol and triglycerides, liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels and histopathological changes were assessed. In silico molecular docking was performed to explore the interactions of the test compounds with adiponectin. PFOA significantly elevated serum transaminases, lipid parameters and hepatic TBARS levels and induced histological changes such as steatosis, necrosis and inflammation. Treatment with eugenol and naringenin significantly (P < 0.05) mitigated these alterations, particularly at higher doses. Molecular docking revealed favourable binding affinities of both compounds with adiponectin, suggesting a mechanistic role in their hepatoprotective effects. Eugenol and naringenin exerted protective effects against PFOA-induced hepatotoxicity through antioxidant, anti–inflammatory and lipid–modulating actions, possibly via adiponectin signalling pathways. These findings highlight their therapeutic potential in managing environmentally induced liver damage.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sherin T, Bibu J K, Anoopraj R https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Lactic acid bacteria from flowers and vegetables: A new avenue unlocking non-dairy reservoirs for nutritional and agro-biotechnological applications
Isolation and screening of microbes were the first and important step to explore the diversity of naturally occurring beneficial bacteria. This study hypothesized that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) naturally associated with flowers and vegetables possess unique probiotic traits that could outperform conventional strains in both human and agricultural applications due to their environmental adaptability and enzymatic versatility. The current study is focused on the probiotic potency of LAB associated with flowers and vegetables. A total of 71 strains of bacteria were isolated and 51 were selected based on the LAB characteristics. To ensure probiotic efficacy, a series of in vitro tests were conducted to determine the probiotic potential of the isolates including survival in gut conditions (acid, bile and gastric juice tolerance). Seven strains exhibited remarkable tolerance to low pH, bile salt and gastric juice. The safety evaluation (hemolytic, deoxyribonuclease (DNase) and gelatinase activities) of the selected strains proved the non-pathogenic nature and hence generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status, further identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus and Limosilactobacillus fermentum strains by 16S rRNA sequencing. The carbohydrate utilization pattern coincides with the molecular identification and the enzymatic profiling of 7 isolates showed the ability to produce protease and cellulase, proving their adaptability to the natural habitat. This study shows that naturally occurring LAB from unexplored plant-based niches have dual functions as probiotics for humans and plants. This study is the initial step to establishing low-cost probiotic innovations derived from indigenous microbial resources, improving human health.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sreelekshmi Kumar, Keerthi Thalakattil Raghavan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bioactivity of mycosynthesized titanium oxide nanoparticles using Epicoccum sherrardiae, an endophyte of Plectranthus vettiveroides
Fungal endophytes are known to confer innumerable beneficial properties to the host plants they reside in, by way of their metabolites being utilised in various plant pathways involved in growth, reproduction, pest resistance and so on. Metal oxide nanoparticles have been in the limelight for their myriad physicochemical and bioactive properties. Mycosynthesized nanoparticles have more significance owing to their sustainable, nontoxic and eco-friendly nature. In the present study, Titanium oxide NPs were successfully synthesised using Epicoccum sherrardiae, a leaf fungal endophyte of the medicinal plant Plectranthus vettiveroides, with SEM analysis revealing an average particle diameter of 70 nm and a UV-Vis absorption peak at 284 nm. The NPs demonstrated significantly better performance than the fungal extract across all applications with 95.03 % Radical Scavenging Activity (RSA), enhanced antimicrobial activity with 21 mm zone of inhibition and high photocatalytic degradation of Congo Red dye (77.53 %). The results emphasise their potential in biomedical and bioremediation applications, aligning with the United Nations SDGs 6 and 12.
Copyright (c) 2026 Murali Kavya, Suma Sarojini https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Dose-dependent suppression of Meloidogyne incognita and enhancement of antioxidant defense in banana plants by Millettia pachyloba Drake leaf extract
This greenhouse study evaluated the dual nematicidal and antioxidant potential of the aqueous leaf extract of Millettia pachyloba Drake in banana (Musa spp.) infested by Meloidogyne incognita. Banana plants were treated with increasing extract concentrations (200–500 ppm) and compared with a nematicide (oxamyl, 30 ppm) and a water control. Nematode control efficiency (NCE), plant growth, oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant indicators were assessed. The extract suppressed M. incognita in a clear concentration-dependent manner, with NCE reaching 40.19 ± 0.46 % at 500 ppm (p = 0.0176) and strong negative correlations between dose and nematode infection parameters (generally r ≤ -0.97). Pseudostem height showed the strongest growth response, increasing by approximately 36.4 % between 200 and 500 ppm (p < 0.05), whereas diameter and biomass improved more moderately. Extract application reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in roots (e.g., MDA: r = -0.9909, p = 0.0137), while enhancing enzymatic (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) and non-enzymatic (GSH, GSH/GSSG) antioxidant systems. These integrated responses suggest that aqueous M. pachyloba leaf extract may serve as a promising dual-function, plant-derived input that could contribute to M. incognita suppression and mitigation of nematode-induced oxidative damage in banana, although field validation is still required.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tran Thi Phuong Nhung, Tran Thi Hien https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Heterosis studies for yield-related traits in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications, 30 F1’s and their 13 parents were evaluated at the Main Experimental Station, Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, during the zaid seasons of 2023 and 2024. The optimum genotypes were recommended based on the findings of studies on heterosis and combining ability. To determine the best parental combination and the best-performing hybrid, the hybrids were assessed for seven distinct qualities. The best hybrid combination, both in terms of overall heterosis effects and per se performance, was NDCU-23-11 x Punjab Naveen. The cross combinations NDCU-23-11 x Punjab Naveen, VRCU-2203 x Pusa Uday and NDCU-23-11 x Pusa Uday outperformed the midparent in terms of fruit yield, while the combinations NDCU-23-11 x Pusa Uday, VRCU-2203 x Pusa Uday and VRCU-2203 x Arka Veera outperformed the standard variety in terms of heterosis. Heterosis over normal variety ranged from 15.05 to 112.31 %, whereas over better parent it ranged from 0.00 to 106.49 %. The predominance of dominant gene activation suggests the possibility of hybrid breeding for genetic enhancement in cucumbers.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hradesh Shivhare, C N Ram, Aastik Jha, Anil Kumar, D K Upadhyay, Tribhuvan Chaubey, Manoj Kumar Singh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Influence of growing medias and IBA concentrations on root development and growth of dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus (F.A.C.Weber) Britton & Rose)
Dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus (F.A.C.Weber) Britton & Rose) is an exotic and nutritious fruit that is gaining popularity; however, limited research on its cultivation restricts its potential for optimal growth and high yield. This study was conducted at Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan focuses on evaluating the impact of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) concentrations on rooting performance as well as to compare various growing media suitable for root development of dragon fruit. The experiment was carried out using seven combinations of treatments including, viz. T1: Soil (Control), T2: {IBA 500 ppm + (Soil + Sand) (1:1)}, T3: {IBA 1000 ppm + (Soil + Sand) (1:1)}, T4: {IBA 500 ppm + (Soil + farmyard manure (FYM)) (1:1)}, T5: {IBA 1000 ppm + (Soil + FYM) (1:1)}, T6: {IBA 500 ppm + (Soil + Sand + FYM) (1:1:1)} and T7: {IBA 1000 ppm + (Soil + Sand + FYM) (1:1:1)} using completely randomized design (CRD). Among the various treatments evaluated, T7 proved to be the most effective, showing significant improvements in growth parameters, including survival rate, plant height, shoot dry weight, number of shoots per cutting, shoot fresh weight, root dry weight, number of primary and secondary roots per cutting, root fresh weight, length of the longest root, average diameter of primary and secondary roots, diameter of the longest root and total root length. Therefore, selecting an appropriate rooting media seems essential for achieving superior root and shoot development in dragon fruit.
Copyright (c) 2026 Amanpreet Singh Chahal, Jitender Kumar Chauhan, Uday Sharma, Naveen Chand Sharma, Praveen Verma, Akanksha Sharma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phytochemical profiling and antidiabetic potential of Dactylicapnos scandens root tuber using LC-MS, GC-MS and molecular docking
Dactylicapnos scandens (D. Don) Hutch represents the Papaveraceae family as climbing perennial herbs and is used by traditional healers in India, China, Nepal, Tibet and Vietnam to treat inflammation, diabetes and many other ailments. The current study investigates phytochemical composition and biological activities of root tuber of the plant. The crude extract was screened for bioactive compounds by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy (LC-MS). The antidiabetic activity was determined by in vitro enzyme inhibition assays involving α-amylase and α-glucosidase. In silico molecular docking was carried out to confirm antidiabetic potential. In LC–MS analysis of the root tuber of Dioscorea scandens, acebutolol, hydrocortisone, disulfiram, corymbosin, vincamine, gentisic acid and andrographolide were identified. In contrast, GC–MS analysis revealed Z,Z-6,28-heptatriactontadien-2-one, 2-ethylthiolane S,S-dioxide, fumaric acid 3-methylbut-3-enyl octyl ester, succinic acid 4-methoxy-2-methylbutyl octadecyl ester, hexacosyl acetate, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, 2,2-dimethyleicosane, 3-methyl-2-(2-oxopropyl)furan, oleic acid and octadecanoic acid as major components. The enzyme inhibition assay revealed lower activity than the standard drugs acarbose, but the inhibition could be considered significant. In the α-amylase inhibition assay, acarbose showed an IC₅₀ value of 84.60 µg/mL, whereas the extract exhibited IC50 value of 95.98 µg/mL. Similarly, in the α-glucosidase assay, acarbose had the IC50 value of 46.38 µg/mL and root tuber extract showed activity with IC50 value of 66.04 µg/mL. Among the identified phytocompounds, andrographolide displayed strong binding affinities, with binding energies of −8.27 kcal/mol for human pancreatic α-amylase and −9.24 kcal/mol for human small intestinal α-glucosidase. Likewise, vincamine demonstrated notable binding energies of −7.02 kcal/mol with human pancreatic α-amylase and −8.37 kcal/mol with human small intestinal α-glucosidase. Findings suggest that D. scandens crude extract possesses number of antidiabetic phytochemicals. This has significant translational potential for developing antidiabetic therapies. Cytotoxic and mutagenic effect of D. scandens along with synergistic effects of phytoconstituents could be verified for further utilisation of the plant as a source of therapeutic.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rupam Buragohain, Asim Nath, Bhabajyoti Das, Rodali Das, Mehzabin Rahman, Pranjan Barman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Identification of antibacterial compounds in Dracaena trifasciata (Prain) Mabb. against Staphylococcus aureus
The leaves of Dracaena trifasciata (Prain) Mabb. are known to have medicinal properties, including antibacterial activity. Among the bacteria of concern, Staphylococcus aureus poses a significant challenge due to its frequent resistance to antibiotics. This study was driven by the growing urgency to address the resistance of bacteria through the exploration of alternative antimicrobial agents derived from natural products such as D. trifasciata. The objectives were to identify the active compounds with antibacterial activity in the potential extracts, fractions and isolates of D. trifasciata against S. aureus and observe the structural changes in bacterial cells after exposure to the leaf fractions of the plant. Compound identification was performed using Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS), while compound separation was conducted through Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and preparative TLC. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the effects of fraction treatment on bacterial cells. The disc diffusion method was used for antibacterial testing, with inhibition zone parameters. The results showed that the leaf extract of D. trifasciata exhibited significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus, as evidenced by significant inhibition zones and SEM-based detection of structural damage to bacterial cells. Identified active compounds included hexamethylenetetramine, reserpine, (2E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-N-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]acrylamide, 2-[(3S)-1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-3-pyrrolidinyl]-1H-benzimidazole-5-carbonitrile, palmitic acid, adenosine, acridine-9(10H)-thione, galaxolidone and 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Antibacterial research on D. trifasciata was carried out from crude extract to separate fractions using the bioassay test principle and showed the potential of this plant as a natural antibacterial source.
Copyright (c) 2026 Whika Febria Dewatisari, Nelsiani To’bungan, Niken Ayu Lestari, Siska Devi Kusumawati https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Microscopical examination, essential oil composition and evaluation leaves extract as antibacterial activity of Zanthoxylum odoratum L. cultivated in Iraq
Rutaceae family, especially genus Zanthoxylum L., are well-known for its occupancy diverse chemical components with significant pharmacological proficiency. This study aims to evaluate the leaf surface under a microscope, analysis of essential oil ingredients and estimate antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts from the leaves of Zanthoxylum odoratum L. cultivated In Iraq. Fresh leaves of Z. odoratum were collected from the Pharmacy Collage Botanical Garden, in February 2023.Using free-hand sections, the anatomy of the leaf was analysed and stomata and their types were identified. Hydrodistilling in a claviger apparatus was used to extract the essential oil and then the GC/MS system was used to determine its chemical composition. Antibacterial efficacy of ethanol extracts of Z. odoratum leaves was evaluated against two Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the well diffusion method and determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). The leaves have a single layer of epidermis. Lower epidermis was stomatiferous and the stomata are anomocytic. By hydrodistillation, the essential oils of Z. odoratum L. leaves were obtained and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The most plentiful category of compounds found in leaf oils is acyclic and non-cyclic monoterpenes. Additionally, monocyclic and bicyclical sesquiterpene. In general, D-Limonene, Methyl cinnamate, β-Myrcene and Humulene are the main constituents of this species. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of ethanol extracts of leaves were estimated against two Gram negative bacteria. While the extracts at lower concentrations exhibit considerable inhibitory action against E. coli, the extracts at all doses show different degrees of inhibitory activity against all P. aeruginosa bacteria.
Copyright (c) 2026 Fatima R Abd-Alwahed, Duaa Abbas Zughair, Lubna Amer Mohammed, Hinda A Mahmood, Tahany Amir Tawfeeq https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of genetic diversity among high azadirachtin genotypes of Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) using ISSR markers
Azadirachtin, a key bioactive compound derived from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss), holds paramount importance in various industrial applications due to its potent pesticidal properties and versatile nature. The existence of natural variability for azadirachtin among different Neem genotypes presents an opportunity for strategic selection and breeding. The variability observed across genotypes allows for the identification and breeding of genotypes consistently high in azadirachtin content. Genetic diversity studies of A. indica using Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) markers revealed that the 40 genotypes were grouped into 7 distinct clusters based on Jaccards’ similarity coefficient. The dendrogram obtained at a 0.73 similarity matrix showed the highest genetic diversity between genotypes G1 and G25, in contrary to this, G32 and G37 showed the least genetic diversity. A total of 33 primers were used in the study, but only 20 primers were successfully amplified at different annealing temperatures, with the Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) values ranging from 0.201 to 0.385, averaging 0.31. Most of the primers exhibited 100 % polymorphism. The number of bands generated ranged from 6–14. Among all the bands generated, 13 unique bands were identified across 12 primers in 14 genotypes, with G16 and G25 showing the highest number of unique bands. These findings provide valuable insights for selecting superior genotypes as candidate trees for future improvement programs, contributing to better management and commercial utilisation of neem resources. This study also plays a crucial role in advancing the genetic enhancement of A. indica.
Copyright (c) 2026 T V B S Lalitha, Reeja S, Manasa Mogilicharla, Arjun Ramachandran, Shalini Mudalkar, Kumaran K https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phenotypic diversity of native melon cultivars in Sar-e Pol Province, Afghanistan based on morphological traits
Afghanistan is a significant source of melon landraces, known for its rich genetic diversity and a wide range of traditional, locally adapted varieties. The phenotypic and genotypic diversity in the country makes them a valuable resource for identification, classification, genetic conservation and crop improvement studies. This experiment was conducted to investigate the phenotypic diversity of native melons of Sar-e-Pol province, Afghanistan based on morphological traits. The results demonstrated that there was a significant variation among phenotypic attributes of native melon cultivars from Sar-e Pol province. Based on germination performance, the Azqalani cultivar showed the highest germination rate (100 %), while Kanawari recorded the lowest (80 %). Regarding to 50 % flowering, the Tordar cultivar flowered earliest (33.5 days), while Aqchaye was the latest (44.5 days). In terms of fruit maturity, the Tordar cultivar matured earliest (83 days), whereas Gargak Sabz required up to 94.5 days to reach 50 % maturity. The finding also showed that Tordar produced the highest yield per plant (12.24 kg), while Gorgak Safeed had the lowest (4.89 kg). In addition, other investigated qualitative traits showed the considerable variation among the cultivars. Cultivars such as Sakhtcha, Kanawari, Kok Gorgak, Gorgak Sabz, Nabatk Safeed, Alapochaqh and Garagozh showed the highest phenotypic stability. These genotypes should be prioritized in breeding programs for development into improved cultivars. Overall, this study focused solely on morphological variation among cultivars. Therefore, further studies on genotypic diversity using molecular markers are crucial to validate genetic relationships.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammad Arif Adel, Shah Mahmoud Faqiri, Kumesa Weldagiyorgis Gebre, Qaderi Ismail, Mohammad Iqbal Adeel https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Prediction of agricultural crop yields based on spatial vegetation indices and machine learning
Accurate prediction of crop yields is not only a scientific challenge but also an economic necessity, as it directly influences food security, market stability and efficient resource allocation in agriculture. This study is driven by the hypothesis that the integration of satellite-based vegetation data with machine learning (ML) can substantially improve yield forecasting accuracy under semiarid climatic conditions, thereby reducing financial risks for farmers and agribusinesses. To test this, we developed and compared multiple data-driven prediction models for three key crops – peas, rapeseed and wheat – representing major contributors to regional agricultural income. We used freely available satellite imagery from the Sentinel-2 mission to calculate several vegetation indices that describe crop greenness, canopy structure and water content. These indices were analyzed to determine which combination best captures the relationship between crop condition and final yield. To ensure reliability, we expanded the dataset with controlled random noise and assessed model stability. Nine ML approaches were compared and the gradient boosting algorithm consistently delivered the most accurate results, achieving up to 99 % agreement with observed yields and fewer than 5 % average errors. The most informative vegetation indices differed among crops, revealing new interdisciplinary insights into how crop physiology and environmental stress interact with spectral indicators. The breakthrough of this research lies in demonstrating a crop-specific optimization strategy that connects remote sensing, agronomy and data science in a single predictive framework. This approach can be immediately applied to improve yield estimation systems at regional and national scales, potentially reducing forecasting uncertainty by 20–30 % and saving agricultural producers millions of euros annually through optimized input management and market planning. Future research should focus on integrating weather forecasts, soil moisture data and economic models to transform yield prediction into a comprehensive decision-support system for precision agriculture. These findings, therefore, provide a practical pathway toward data-driven, climate-resilient and economically sustainable crop production worldwide.
Copyright (c) 2026 P Lykhovyd, L Hranovska, O Averchev, A Tomnytskyi, O Rudik, D Maksymov https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Species-specific root architecture and its role in soil nutrient dynamics in a multispecies tree stand
Root system architecture (RSA) is important for determining tree stability, nutrient uptake and soil health, as well as for understanding interspecies differences in subtropical agro-ecosystems. Understanding RSA helps clarify species differences in nutrient uptake and soil interactions. The work was conducted to assess root intensity and soil properties of tree species (Pongamia pinnata, Cassia fistula, Tectona grandis, Aegle marmelos and Dalbergia sissoo) at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu, India. Fine roots and coarse roots, as well as total root intensity, were measured using the profile wall method at five depth intervals (0–10, 10–20, 20–30, 30–40 and 40–50 cm). Soil nutrient parameters were measured at four soil depth intervals (0–15, 15–30, 30–45 and 45–60 cm). Root intensity demonstrated significant interspecific variation, with D. sissoo showing the highest fine root intensity (FRI) (2523.50 no. m-²), followed by P. pinnata and T. grandis, with most fine roots concentrated in the upper 30 cm. Tectona grandis recorded the highest coarse root intensity (1425.75 no. m-²). Soil analysis showed that P. pinnata and D. sissoo had higher surface nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and organic carbon compared to other species. These findings highlight the promising roles of D. sissoo, T. grandis and P. pinnata, which exhibited intensive root spread, in promoting soil stabilisation and nutrient cycling in subtropical agroforestry systems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aatish Kumar Sharma, Meenakshi Gupta, Kamal Kishor Sood, Sarabdeep Kour, Manish Kumar Sharma, Sushil Sharma, Lalit Mohan Gupta, Vishal Mahajan, Vikas Gupta https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparative study of phytochemical properties and antioxidant potential of Plagiochasma appendiculatum Lehm. & Lindenb. and Riccia aravalliensis Pande & Udar
Plants have long served as an important source of medicinal agents and bioactive compounds. This has led to using numerous medicinal plants with therapeutic properties due to their valuable bioactive compounds. Bryophytes, a group of non-vascular plants, have been reported to exhibit diverse therapeutic activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antidiabetic effects. Plagiochasma appendiculatum Lehm. & Lindenb. and Riccia aravalliensis Pandé & Udar, 2 tropical bryophyte species, were examined for their phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds in both species, with some variations across different solvent extracts. Quantitative analysis showed that P. appendiculatum generally had higher total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) compared to R. aravalliensis. Ethanol extracts demonstrated the highest TPC and TFC for both species. Antioxidant assays using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide scavenging methods indicated that P. appendiculatum possessed stronger antioxidant potential than R. aravalliensis, with ethanol extracts exhibiting the highest antioxidant activity, followed by methanol and chloroform extracts. These findings suggest that both bryophyte species, particularly P. appendiculatum, are rich sources of phenolic and flavonoid compounds with significant antioxidant potential. The results highlight the potential of these non-vascular plants as valuable sources of natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds, warranting further research to isolate and characterise specific bioactive molecules and elucidate their therapeutic potential in managing oxidative stress-related conditions. This study contributes to the growing evidence supporting the medicinal value of bryophytes and their potential applications in ethnomedicine and drug discovery.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tripti Sharma, Supriya Kumari Sharma, Afroz Alam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Decoding diversity: Integrative assessment of genetic variability, trait associations and nutritional profiling in cowpea genotypes
Pulses occupy a unique place in India's nutritional food security, as they are a rich source of protein. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) is an important pulse crop contributing significantly to protein and micronutrient security in India. However, there is a need for more research on the potential and actual yields of cowpea in India. Cowpea, being a self-pollinated crop, exhibits limited variability. The present study aimed to assess genetic variability, divergence, character association and nutritional quality among 65 cowpea genotypes to identify superior yield-contributing traits and promising genotypes. A field experiment was carried out at the College of Agriculture, Navile, Shivamogga, using an augmented design. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were recorded for pods per cluster, pods per plant, clusters per plant and seeds per pod, indicating substantial variability. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percentage of mean for these traits suggested the predominance of additive gene action and a good response to selection. K-means clustering grouped the genotypes into five clusters, with the maximum inter-cluster distance observed between Clusters IV and V, indicating wide genetic divergence. Crossing these divergent genotypes is expected to generate higher heterosis and wider variability. Correlation and path coefficient analyses revealed that clusters per plant exerted the strongest positive direct effect on seed yield per plant. Based on mean performance, genotypes VCP-17-019, PMCP-1131, 202854(97) and EC-472271 were identified as superior, exhibiting high yield and enhanced nutritional quality. These genotypes recorded crude protein content ranging from 20.00–27.25 %, along with appreciable levels of calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. The study highlights key yield-associated traits and nutritionally rich genotypes that can be effectively utilised in cowpea breeding programmes aiming at yield improvement and nutritional enhancement.
Copyright (c) 2026 I T Jyoti, D Lakshmana, R C Jagadeesha, Sharanabasappa Deshmukh, H B Mallikarjuna, H M Anil, C N Nimish https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Accumulation of copper in tissues of Sonchus arvensis L. grown in copper-polluted soil
Copper (Cu) contamination in agricultural soils poses environmental risks and potential health hazards through food-chain transfer. Sonchus arvensis L., a widely consumed medicinal plant, has not been fully assessed for its capacity to accumulate heavy metals. This study investigated whether the species exhibits sufficient tolerance and uptake ability to evaluate its safety implications for human consumption while also assessing its ability to function as a phytoremediation agent. S. arvensis was cultivated in soils spiked with graded Cu concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg). Morphological responses, Cu partitioning between roots and shoots and phytoremediation ability were measured to determine its remediation potential. The plant survived across all treatments, showing dose-dependent stress symptoms but maintaining structural viability. Copper accumulation followed a clear pattern of root greater than shoot across all concentrations. Removal efficiency reached up to 43 % within 14 days, indicating rapid metal sequestration and demonstrating the species’ potential for phytostabilisation. However, Cu concentrations in aerial tissues exceeded international food safety limits (WHO) even at the lowest contamination level. These findings highlight a dual implication: S. arvensis is a promising, cost-effective candidate for stabilising Cu-contaminated soils, yet its ability to accumulate Cu in edible parts presents significant safety concerns. Regulation of its harvest in polluted environments is therefore essential.
Copyright (c) 2026 Alifianti Shinta Putri Pratama, Rr. Khoirunnisa Asyahidah, Fiko Dalili Sharfina, Alfin Fatwa Mei Afifudin, Dwi Kusuma Wahyuni https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The role of amino acids glycine and phenylalanine in some physiological characteristics of guava seedlings newly introduced to Iraq
This work uses environmentally acceptable amino acids as biomolecules to support important physiological processes and increase tolerance to biotic and abiotic environmental challenges in recently imported Psidium guajava L. in Iraq. Some amino acids affect the later growth of guava seedlings in a new environment. A fully randomized block design factorial experiment on guava seedlings examined the effects of glycine and phenylalanine at three concentrations each (0, 250 and 500 mg L-1 for glycine and 0, 150 and 300 mg L-1 for phenylalanine). Combining glycine (500 mg L-1) with phenylalanine (300 mg L-1) resulted in significant increases in all guava seedling parameters, surpassing their individual effects. These gains included increased leaf chlorophyll, carbohydrate content and decreased nutrient leaching. The results show that foliar spraying with glycine and phenylalanine improved the physiological and phenological features of guava seedlings. The study found that foliar spraying with glycine and phenylalanine improved guava seedling development, productivity and quality in Iraq.
Copyright (c) 2026 Chasb Kh Ja Alkalabi, G S B Sabah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sustainable rice production in low-SOM soils: The case for green manure adoption
In intensive rice-based rotations, reliance on high rates of chemical fertilisers (CF) often results in low nutrient-use efficiency and attendant environmental risks. To evaluate the potential of organic amendments (OAs) to mitigate these issues, we conducted a Boro–Fallow–Transplanted Aman (T. Aman) field trial for two years (2022–2024), with 7 treatments: an unfertilised control; farmer-practice CF; full recommended dose (RD) of CF; and 4 treatments combining 75 % RD of chemical fertiliser with farmyard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM), compost, or green manure (dhaincha). Dhaincha was cultivated during the fallow interval, while all OAs were applied at T. Aman, with residual effects assessed in the subsequent boro season. All combined OA + 75 % RD treatments produced comparable grain yields (3.01–6.33 t ha-1), each delivering 50–52 % higher grain and 47–50 % higher straw yields than the unfertilised control. Notably, the green manure treatment achieved the highest nutrient uptake and post-harvest soil carbon stocks, boosting soil organic carbon by 12–26 % relative to the control. These findings demonstrate that integrating moderate chemical inputs with targeted organic amendments, especially green manure, can maintain or enhance rice productivity while improving soil fertility and reducing dependence on CF.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jannatul Ferdous, SM Jahida Akter Mousumi, Jannatul Fardus, Ishrat Munmun Anne, Afia Fahmida Jui, Tamanna Akther Mukta, Nusrat Jahan Mim, Md. Hosenuzzaman, Mohammad Golam Kibria, Tahsina Sharmin Hoque, Md. Anamul Hoque, Mohammad Anwar Hossain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
In vitro and in vivo assessment on memory improvement of Lac Tien Thang
Memory impairment is a condition observed at all ages, particularly with a notably higher prevalence among the elderly, causing critical damages to both mental, physical states and daily activities. Lac Tien Thang (LTT; Vietnamese: Lạc Tiên Thang) was selected based on the convergence of traditional Vietnamese medical theory and modern pharmacological evidence in treating central nervous system disorders. Traditionally, it is used for sedative and cognition-enhancing effects, while modern studies show its flavonoid- and phenolic-rich components provide neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cognitive benefits. This study focused on investigating the memory-enhancing effects of the aqueous extract from LTT, which was evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo models to assess its inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE). The aqueous extract from LTT was analysed for a preliminary screening on its chemical compositions and total flavonoid quantification and inhibitory function of AChE enzyme in vitro using Ellman method as well as its memory improvement effects on Swiss albino mice following the novel object recognition test (NORT). The preliminary analysis on phytochemicals identified various components, which consisted of essential oils, triterpenoid, flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, polyphenols, organic acids, reducing agents and polyrunoic compounds. The total flavonoid content was 3.35 %, LTT successfully inhibited AChE activity, with an IC50 recorded at 88.95 µg/mL. The LTT extract at a dose of 2.61 g/kg presented an effective function in memory enhancing on Swiss albino mice induced memory impairment by 2.6 mg/kg of Trimethyltin chloride (TMT). Therefore, LTT extract can inhibit AchE activity and effectively improve memory in mice.
Copyright (c) 2026 Oanh-Hoang Hua, Thanh-Chi La https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparison of extraction protocols on the productivity of genomic DNA from six Combretum species
The extraction of substantial amounts of high-quality DNA is frequently a challenge in the genetic analysis of plant traits important to agriculture and biotechnology. The extraction of pure, high-quantity DNA from the leaves of 6 Combretum species was investigated using 3 DNA extraction protocols: cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), Qiagen and Zymo DNA extraction kits. A modified CTAB method was used for the extraction and purification of sample DNA, while the manufacturers’ instructions were followed for the Qiagen and Zymo kits. The CTAB protocol resulted in DNA with the highest purity reflected by an A260/A280 ratio of 1.9 and a concentration of 900 ng/µL compared to the other methods used. On the other hand, serial dilution of the extraction mixture showed that the more diluted the extraction mixture the lower the concentration of DNA obtained. Among the 6 Combretum species studied, Combretum dolichopetalum Engl. & Diels produced the highest DNA concentration (380 ng/µL), while Combretum bauchiense Hutch. & Dalziel had the highest DNA purity level. The CTAB extraction method produced the best DNA yield and quality for all the Combretum species investigated and can be adopted as a suitable method for Combretum DNA extraction. Similarly, C. dolichopetalum and C. bauchiense can be used for higher DNA yield and quality in further molecular studies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sheily Nneka Egonu, Chidiebere Anastacia Adeosun, Obiora Emmanuel Udoh, Dilibe Clifford Urama, Chinyere Blessing Chigor, Chidiebele Emmanuella Ike, JohnPaul Ifebuche Attah, Francis Mmaduabuchi Aruma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Estimation of combining ability and gene action for yield and yield attributes in mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) via line × tester analysis
Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) is an important pulse crop in Asia due to its high nutritional value, rapid growth and ability to grow in a variety of environments. Despite its importance, mungbean production remains low due to a tiny genetic base and a lack of suitable parental lines for breeding operations. Using the line × tester mating design, this study investigated the combining ability and gene action for yield-related traits in mungbean. In summer 2021, at the Seed Breeding Farm, JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, evaluated forty crossings derived from ten lines and four testers. The tests were conducted using a randomised block design with 3 replications. The analysis of variance revealed significant variations between genotypes for all the traits, indicating a high level of genetic variation. For most features, the variance in specialised combining ability (SCA) exceeded the variance in general combining ability (GCA). This shows that non-additive gene activity has a significant influence. TJM 196, HUM 1, TMB 37, TJM 136, Kanika and Virat were identified as superior general combiners, while crosses TMB 37 × Virat, PDM 11 × Virat, TJM 3 × Kanika, SL 668 × Kanika, TJM 136 × Shikha, TJM 196 × Shikha, TJM 196 × Kanika and HUM 1 × Shikha exhibited high SCA effects for yield and its component traits. The predominance of non-additive gene action suggests that heterosis breeding or hybridisation, followed by selection in segregating generations, has the potential to greatly boost mungbean yields. These findings provide important guidance for the selection of promising parental lines and cross combinations in future mungbean enhancement initiatives.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tasphiya Elahi, Sanjay Kumar Singh, Pratik Kumar, Shailendra Sagar Prajapati, G S Gathiye, Kumar Jai Anand, Niyati Jain, Parikha Prakash Singh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Foliar potassium nutrition and water stress: Molecular and physiological adaptation mechanisms via the proline biosynthesis pathway in maize
A field study was conducted at the Anbar University College of Agriculture research station during the autumn season of 2024 to evaluate the effects of irrigation intervals and foliar potassium application levels on the expression of the pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase (P5CS) gene, the activity of the pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase enzyme, proline accumulation and selected growth and yield traits of maize. The experiment followed a split-plot arrangement within a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The results revealed that extending the irrigation interval significantly enhanced the expression of the P5CS gene, with the 15-day irrigation interval (W2) recording the highest gene expression levels. This increase in expression positively influenced the activity of the pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase enzyme, which reached 3.383 absorbance units min-1 g-1 fresh weight. Consequently, proline accumulation increased, with an average content of 52.36 µmol g-1 fresh weight. However, prolonged irrigation intervals adversely affected most growth and yield traits. The control treatment (W0) recorded the highest averages for plant height (196.00 cm), leaf area (4780.66 cm2 plant-1), chlorophyll content (55.14 SPAD units), number of kernels per ear (361.55 kernels ear-1) and individual plant yield (126.55 g plant-1). Conversely, foliar potassium application mitigated the adverse impacts of water stress by reducing the plant’s reliance on increased proline accumulation. Foliar potassium supply suppressed the expression of the P5CS gene, leading to reduced enzymatic activity and lower proline content under high potassium level (K2), with average values of 1.353 absorbance units min-1 g-1 fresh weight and 27.67 µmol g-1 fresh weight, respectively. Moreover, the high potassium level (K2) improved several growth and yield traits, recording the highest averages for leaf area (4242.22 cm2 plant-1), chlorophyll content (49.21 SPAD units), grain number per ear (276.77 grains plant-1) and plant yield (101.88 g plant-1).
Copyright (c) 2026 Omer Ismail Al-Fahdawi, Mohammed Ismail Khalaf Al-Fahdawy , Amer Hashim Abdulmajeed, Harith Sadaa Madhan AlFahdawy , Ahmed Shehab Abd-Allah Ramadan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Smart diagnostic tool for coffee pests and disease identification using image processing
This study presents the development and evaluation of a mobile-based diagnostic tool for identifying coffee pests and diseases through image processing, targeting coffee farmers in Kalinga Province, Philippines. The system integrates traditional visual inspection with advanced image recognition algorithms, including K-means clustering, support vector machine and inceptionV3, to enable early and accurate detection of major pests such as the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari)) and coffee stem borer (Xylotrechus quadripes Chevrolat), as well as common diseases including coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix Berk. & Broome) and coffee berry disease (Colletotrichum kahawae J.M. Waller & Bridge). Pilot testing was conducted among farmers, academic researchers and IT experts. System quality was evaluated using the ISO/IEC 25010 software quality model, covering functionality, reliability, usability, efficiency, maintainability and portability. Findings revealed high compliance across all quality characteristics (overall mean = 4.52), indicating strong system performance. Farmers reported improved satisfaction in pest and disease management and improved access to timely treatment recommendations. The study recommends expanding the image dataset to improve detection accuracy and developing an iOS-compatible version to broaden accessibility. This project demonstrates the potential of combining image processing and mobile technology to empower coffee farmers, support sustainable pest and disease management and enhance crop productivity in resource-limited agricultural contexts.
Copyright (c) 2026 Giarhard C Awis https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Seasonal assessment of algal communities as bioindicators of water quality in Rajaram reservoir using pollution indices
Algal communities are sensitive to environmental changes and serve as effective bioindicators for assessing water quality in aquatic ecosystems. This study analyses the seasonal presence of algal species in a freshwater system to determine their correlation with pollution levels. Using data from the provided dataset, Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to explore relationships between algal species presence across the rainy, winter and summer seasons and their potential as pollution indicators. Seasonal variations in phytoplankton diversity highlight the significant influence of environmental factors-including temperature, light and nutrient availability-on phytoplankton dynamics in Rajaram reservoir, offering critical insights for ecological monitoring and water quality management. The consistently high Palmer’s Algal Pollution Index (PAPI) scores, exceeding 20 across all three seasons, confirm persistent organic pollution in Rajaram lake throughout the year. Nygaard’s Compound Index further verifies eutrophic to hypereutrophic conditions, with the most extreme nutrient enrichment observed in summer, where pollution-tolerant species with high AGPI scores (e.g., Microcystis aeruginosa and Euglena gracilis) dominate, reflecting intensified organic pollution driven by elevated nutrient inputs from agricultural runoff. The overall algal community composition confirms that summer conditions exacerbate water quality deterioration through increased runoff and favourable growth conditions for pollution-tolerant and bloom-forming species. These findings reinforce the sensitivity of algal assemblages as effective bioindicators, highlighting the need for targeted seasonal monitoring and management strategies to mitigate eutrophication and organic pollution in the studied aquatic system.
Copyright (c) 2026 Khorate Shivani, Kamble Santosh, Singh Pushpi, Patil Sachin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of zinc foliar application on productivity and quality characteristics of several cotton varieties
Zinc deficiency is a common issue in cotton cultivation that can significantly impact yield and quality, especially when the soil zinc content is unavailable due to a problem related to nutrient competition. A field experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2023, on a farmers’ field in Al-Anbar province, Iraq, to investigate the effect of zinc spraying on cotton yield and its components, as well as quality characteristics, for several cotton varieties. The experiment utilised a split-plot design that was arranged within a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The main plots occupied by four zinc concentrations, which were 0, 75, 150 and 225 mg L-1, while the sub-plot contained four cotton varieties: Spearo888, Cocker 310, Pak-cot and Candia. The results showed that the Spearo 888 cotton variety had the highest average in terms of plant height, reaching 156.72 cm, while the Pak-Cot variety had the highest average for traits: branch per plant-1 (12.61), number of total and opened bolls per plant-1 (26.57 and 19.04), boll weight (3.97 g) and total seed cotton yield (2.95 t ha-1). The studied traits improved progressively with increasing zinc concentration, with the highest concentration yielding the best results. The integration of zinc with the varieties led to the best results. The cotton fibre characteristics were not significantly affected by zinc concentrations; rather, variety had the greatest influence, indicating that these characteristics are more influenced by gene action than by environmental conditions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Noaman A H, Imad M Ali, Adil H Abdulkafoor, Almarie A A https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Ethnomedicinal plants used for treating dyspareunia in southern Pakistan
The current research is the first conducted to record the native remedial flora utilised by the occupants of southern areas of Pakistan for the curing of dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse). For the contemporary study, an ethnomedicinal exploration of 3 chief rustic locations of southern regions (Thar Desert, Bahawalpur and Cholistan Desert) of Pakistan was conducted during January 2024 to February 2025. All through the current research, 20 curative flora belonging to 16 families were recognised. Lamiaceae was the chief family with 3 species. Likewise, the major life form was herbs (11 species). Similarly, the technique of formulation was decoction (11 species). The greatest value of informant consensus factor (ICF) was about 0.97 which enabled informants to attain orgasm. The maximum consensus index (CI) value was gained for Rosa gallica L. (98.4 %). Correspondingly, the maximum cultural significance index (CSI) was 52.4 for Nigella sativa L. Likewise, the uppermost value of relative frequency of citation for Tribulus terrestris L. was 0.56. The most used medicinal plants in the study area with 100 % FL were Cocos nucifera L., Cousinia stocksii C.Winkl., etc which were used to treat muscular pain along with contractions in the pelvic area, and to relieve aching feelings in non-penetrative sexual activity respectively. The current study recorded that 3 chief distant regions of southern areas of Pakistan have significant diversity of curative plants, for curing of dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse). Therefore, the present research provides a base for further pharmacological and phytochemical investigation for the assessment of their bioactive compounds that might leads to innovative drug discovery.
Copyright (c) 2026 Huma Zareef, Fazli Malik Sarim, Rahmatullah Qureshi, Muhammad Tayyab Gul https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Floristic survey of Darjeeling Himalaya with emphasis on endemism and conservation status
The Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India, is an ideal home to many taxa, like any other part of the Great Himalayas. The floristic survey of the Darjeeling district provides an overview of the region's biodiversity within the Eastern Himalayan hotspot. The present study documented diverse plant taxa from the Darjeeling Himalaya by preparing herbarium specimens using standard methods, identifying them taxonomically and assessing their threat status using the IUCN Red List database. Using floristic inventories analysed through diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson, Margalef), similarity measures (Jaccard, Sørensen), non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA), quantified the spatial patterns of plant diversity across the study area. This study showed that Orchidaceae, Rosaceae, Lamiaceae, Fabaceae and Acanthaceae are the dominant plant families in the area and recorded 11 plant species that are either endemic or regionally restricted. The study revealed high alpha diversity (species richness 40–109; H′ = 3.69–4.69) and strong beta diversity driven mainly by species turnover (Jaccard dissimilarity 0.28–0.94), with altitude and associated temperature gradients significantly structuring community composition (PERMANOVA R² = 0.316, p = 0.001), whereas precipitation had no significant effect. The conservation status shows that almost 76 % of the plant species are in the "Not Evaluated" (NE) category, followed by "Least Concern" (LC; 19 %), "Endangered" (EN; 1.2 %) and "Critically Endangered" (CR; 1%). The floristic exploration data on species richness and diversity of the flora provide valuable baseline data for future studies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Animesh Sen, Kingsuk Sarkar, Syed Abdul Hakeem Ashraf, Shriprakash, Sariga K S, Shiddamallayya Nagayya, Achintya Mitra, Ashok Kumar Sinha, Jagdish Chandra Arya, Narayanam Srikanth, Rabinarayan Acharya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
New distributional records of two plants (Crotalaria and Vaccinium) from Manipur, India
Crotalaria meghalayensis Danda & A.K. Pandey, belonging to the family Fabaceae and Vaccinium amakhangium Panda & Sanjappa, belonging to the family Ericaceae, are reported here for the first time in Manipur, Northeast India. The occurrence of these two species extends their distributional range beyond the Meghalaya and Nagaland states of the Indian Union. The detailed morphological descriptions and colour photographic plates are provided for easy identification.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kholi Kaini, Kazhuhrii Eshuo, Sochanngam Kashung, Kreni Lokho, Akoijam Meerabai Devi, Urikkhimbam Leishilembi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Multivariate analysis of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) germplasm under temperate agro-climatic niches
Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a resilient cereal crop with significant global importance, particularly in temperate regions, where it thrives under a range of climatic stresses. This study assessed genetic variability, trait associations and population structure among 51 barley genotypes under temperate conditions using an augmented block design during the rabi season 2021–2022 at Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops (MRCFC), Khudwani- Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) of Kashmir. Eight agronomically important traits namely, days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, tiller number per metre, spike length, grains per spike, 1000-grain weight and grain yield per plot, were evaluated using standard biometric and multivariate analytical approaches. Significant genetic diversity was observed, with high heritability and substantial genetic advance recorded for tiller number per meter and yield, indicating predominant additive gene action. Yield showed strong positive correlations with tiller number and grains per spike, highlighting their significance for selection. Path analysis confirmed the association pattern. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified 2 major components explaining almost 60 % of total variation, with plant height, tiller number per meter, grains per spike and yield being the dominant contributors. Clustering grouped genotypes into 5 clusters, with cluster V yielding highest. Large inter-cluster distances signified broad genetic divergence. Based on a combined selection index integrating PCA scores and yield performance, 6 superior barley genotypes were identified, among which IBYT-HI-2021-14, IBYT-HI-2021-12 and HUB113 exhibited the most consistent and outstanding agronomic performance under temperate conditions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shabir H Wani, Gazala H Khan, Subhasini Ghosh, Najeeb R Sofi, Gowhar Ali, Shah Mohammad Usman, Zahoor A Dar, Reyaz ul Rouf Mir, Mohd. Anwar Khan, Mehdi Rahimi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Antimicrobial efficacy of different solvent extracts of Quercus infectoria G.Olivier against UTI pathogens and evaluation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects
Multidrug-resistant urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a major global concern for the health sector. Quercus infectoria G.Olivier has been used as a medicine for ages in Asia and it is well established of its antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. The aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic extract and dry powder forms of Q. infectoria were investigated for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. Various assays were done to determine anti-microbial, cytotoxic effects, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The aqueous extract of Q. infectoria expressed antibacterial properties against Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans, while the methanolic extract is effective against Klebsiella species by the well diffusion assay. The cytotoxic effects of Q. infectorias’ aqueous extract revealed a 90 % survival rate with 5 and 10 µg/mL in the brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) method. The methanolic extract demonstrated an 89.13 % suppression of antioxidant activity at a concentration of 50 µg/mL. The methanolic extract demonstrated 85.13 % suppression of antioxidant activity in the H₂O₂ experiment at a concentration of 50 µg/mL. Similarly, aqueous extract showed dose-dependent anti-inflammatory actions in egg albumin denaturation inhibition assay (EA assay), bovine serum albumin denaturation assay (BSA assay) and membrane stabilisation assay (MSA assay). The current investigation showed that Q. infectoria has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Moreover, it has antimicrobial actions against selected UTI pathogens.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nalini Jeyaprakash, Rajeshkumar Shanmugam, Jabir P K, Sulochana Govindharaj, Philomina V, Neelanjana P, Steffy Dominic https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Ethnomedicinal plants of Assam, India: A review on bioactive metabolites, therapeutic potential and future perspectives
Ethnomedicinal plants are integral to the traditional healthcare systems of indigenous communities in Assam, India. Groups such as the Bodo, Mising, Dimasa, Karbi, Rabha and Deori have long utilized a diverse range of local flora to treat ailments ranging from infections and fevers to chronic inflammatory and metabolic disorders. This review synthesizes current knowledge on bioactive metabolites derived from ethnomedicinal plants of Assam and evaluates their therapeutic relevance and future research prospects. A systematic literature survey was conducted using major scientific databases including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar. A total of 139 studies were included in the final analysis, documenting 86 ethnomedicinal plant species belonging to 48 families, traditionally used to treat major ailment categories, with gastrointestinal disorders, dermatological conditions and inflammatory diseases being the most frequently reported. Phytochemical investigations revealed the presence of diverse classes of bioactive metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, glycosides and saponins. Several species demonstrated significant pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and anticancer properties, corroborating traditional therapeutic claims. The review highlights critical research gaps, including limited metabolite profiling, lack of clinical validation and concerns regarding sustainable utilization. Future perspectives emphasize the need for integrative ethnobotanical-phytochemical approaches, advanced metabolomics and conservation-oriented strategies to harness Assam’s ethnomedicinal wealth for drug discovery and sustainable healthcare development. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches can both preserve cultural heritage and contribute meaningfully to global drug discovery and sustainable healthcare solutions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Satya Nath Doley, Ruby Doley, Manoj Barthakur https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Nutritional, phytochemical and pharmacological attributes of seven Ficus species: current evidence and future prospects
Ficus fruits represent a promising yet underexplored group of edible medicinal resources within the Moraceae family. Key findings include, Ficus assamica and F. hispida exhibit exceptionally high phenolic and flavonoid concentrations; F. semicordata demonstrates a superior mineral profile; F. racemosa and F. auriculata show promising antidiabetic potential and F. fistulosa extract has already been tested clinically in a topical hydrogel that significantly reduced facial sebum without irritation. The most advanced pharmacological lead comes from F. simplicissima, whose coumarin compound bergapten, formulated as liposomes (Ber-lipo), has shown protective effects against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury through modulation of macrophage activity and inflammatory signaling pathways. Despite these promising findings, research on Ficus fruits remains fragmented. Many studies lack standardised extraction methods, detailed sampling metadata or quantitative analysis of individual bioactive compounds. Toxicological data, pharmacokinetic profiles and controlled clinical trials are almost absent. To bridge these gaps, future research should prioritise standardised methodologies, comprehensive metabolomic profiling, safety and contaminant analyses and well-designed human studies to validate efficacy. With these advancements, Ficus fruits hold significant potential as nutraceutical and therapeutic resources for metabolic, inflammatory and respiratory health.
Copyright (c) 2026 Md. Solayman Ope, Mahmuda Monowar Lorin, Md. Imtiaz Kabir, Md. Masudul Karim, M Ashrafuzzaman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Ocimum-derived bioactive metabolites as next-generation antimicrobials targeting drug-resistant pathogens
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is rapidly growing worldwide and becoming a well-being threat. It challenges the consumption of antibiotics and eventually jeopardises the management of diseases. Excessive use of antibiotics led to the development of pathogens that are resistant towards multiple drugs. Ocimum species (Tulsi) is known for their potent antimicrobial efficacy and for traditional pharmaceutical applications. It also holds a revered status in Ayurveda and was used to treat various diseases like respiratory, digestive issues, skin infections and stress-related disorders due to its rich phytochemical content that includes ursolic acid, flavonoids, eugenol, rosmarinic acid and essential oils. These bioactive compounds exhibit antimicrobial efficacy against pathogenic microbes. Mechanistically, its metabolites disrupt the microbial cell membranes, inhibit quorum sensing (QS), suppress the production of critical enzymes like β-lactamases, inhibit the formation of biofilm, thus making pathogens more susceptible to antibiotics. Notably, eugenol has been demonstrated to be effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), whereas linalool and thymol show efficacy against extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli. The main objective of this study is to seek and elucidate the possible mechanism of action and potential of Ocimum as sustainable next-generation antimicrobial agents, where Ocimum-based treatments represents "One Health" approach that could provide safe and natural ways to fight against AMR in humans and animals.
Copyright (c) 2026 Prabhakar Bura, Faria Fatima, Pallavi Srivastava, Mohammed Haris Siddiqui, Somesh Gupta, Saba Siddiqui https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Global research trends and thematic clusters in rice-based sustainable food systems: A systematic review
Rice is a cornerstone of global food security, livelihoods and rural economies, yet its production and consumption are increasingly challenged by climate change, resource constraints and sustainability trade-offs. While research on rice sustainability has expanded rapidly in recent years, the literature remains fragmented across disciplines, analytical scales and food system components. This study presents a systematic literature review that maps and analyses the global research landscape on rice-based sustainable food systems using bibliometric methods and content co-occurrence analysis techniques. A total of 227 publications indexed in the Scopus database (2013-2025) were analysed following PRISMA guidelines. Bibliometric analysis was conducted to examine publication trends, country and institutional contributions, source distribution and keyword co-occurrence patterns. Scientific output increased sharply after 2021, with nearly 89 % of publications produced between 2021 and 2025, indicating rapid consolidation of the field. Country-wise analysis shows a strong concentration of research in Asia, particularly India (136 publications), China (121) and Indonesia (96). Subsequently, content co-occurrence analysis identified four thematic clusters: (i) consumer behaviour, dietary choices and environmental implications; (ii) crop management, resource constraints and economic trade-offs; (iii) food security, resilience and supply chain dynamics; and (iv) adoption and transition towards sustainable rice systems. The results reveal a strong concentration of research in Asia, growing interdisciplinary engagement and a recent surge in system-oriented sustainability studies. However, persistent gaps were identified, including limited methodological integration, weak linkage between production and consumption research and underrepresentation of transition dynamics and emerging regions. By synthesising key interventions, practices and technologies across clusters, this review provides an integrated perspective on pathways toward rice-based sustainable food systems and outlines priority directions for future research and policy development.
Copyright (c) 2026 A Jason Arockiam, C Karthikeyan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Integrative role of hormonal crosstalk in plant growth regulation- A review
Plant growth regulators (PGRs), like auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, abscisic acid, brassinosteroids, ethylene, jasmonates and strigolactones, are central managers of plant development and stress adaptation. Their actions are controlled by biosynthesis, translocation and hormonal crosstalk, which jointly enable precise regulation of growth from embryogenesis to decline. Recent studies uncover intricate spatial and temporal control of Plant Growth Regulator (PGR) biosynthesis, for example, auxins in meristems via YUCCA Flavin-Containing Monooxygenase (YUCCA) enzymes, cytokinins in root tips via Isopentenyltransferase (IPT), Abscisic Acid (ABA) in vascular parenchyma under drought via cis-Epoxycarotenoid Dioxygenase (NCED) and ethylene via ACC synthase/oxidase under stress. Directed transport, like phloem-mediated gibberellin movement, polar auxin transport and xylem-dependent ABA redistribution, establishes hormonal gradients essential for developmental patterning. Crosstalk among hormones, including ABA-ethylene synergy and auxin-cytokinin antagonism integrates environmental and endogenous signals to fine-tune growth-defence trade-offs and stress toughness. Emerging paradigms, like scaffold-mediated signalling and hormonal hormesis, further highlight the originality of regulatory mechanisms that organize growth with adaptive responses. Comprehending these networks offers avenues for biotechnological applications, such as engineering crops with improved growth and stress tolerance. Future research should emphasise single-cell hormone mapping, synthetic hormone circuits and the roles of non-canonical PGRs in niche signalling.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yasir S Sekhi, Ahmed F Z Al-Dulaimy, Ali F A Almehemdi, Omar H M Almohammedi, Sameer A A Saleh, Marwa Sh Alrawi, Tariq F Farhan, Mohammed A Oudah, Ali A Abdulkareem, Zaid K Kadhim, Ali M Noori https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Machine learning applications for sustainable durian disease management
Durian, the beloved "King of Fruits," serves as an economic lifeline for Southeast Asia, yet it faces constant threats from fungal pathogens that can destroy up to 40 % of a harvest. While traditional visual checks are often subjective and laboratory tests like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are too complex for daily field use, machine Learning (ML) offers a more supportive, practical path forward. By using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) on mobile devices, farmers can now identify diseases with 90 % accuracy directly in the orchard. Advanced tools like thermal imaging and biosensors act as an early-warning system, detecting hidden stress before symptoms ever appear. This shift toward predictive farming empowers growers to protect their livelihoods more sustainably. Techniques like transfer learning bridge the gap between high-tech science and daily labour, ensuring that even with limited data, farmers have a dependable companion in the grove. Ultimately, integrating ML and internet of things (IoT) minimizes chemical reliance, safeguarding both the environment and the long-term health of the durian industry.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nur Sabrina Ahmad Azmi, Zarina Zainuddin, Nurul Hidayah Samsulrizal, Noor Haslinda Noor Hashim, Paramita Cahyaningrum Kuswandi, Anna Rakhmawati, Nur Aeni Ariyanti https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Application of plant extracts in oral health
Plant bioactives have been extracted for multiple applications in improving human health. Oral health is primarily affected by the development of caries, which, as a chronic disease, can progress to tooth loss. Many efforts have been made to reduce the incidence of caries; in many countries, high rates of caries are still a reality. Herein, we explore various plant extracts with proven effects on the biofilm. Oral infections and accumulation of biofilm and calculus can also contribute to soft tissue inflammation, leading to periodontitis and gingivitis. Main plant extracts that modulate inflammation are reviewed. Oral cancer is another clinically important condition whose classic treatments (surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy) are very invasive and greatly reduce the quality of life of patients. Immunotherapy is used in certain cases alone or in combination with other treatments. All of this carries the possibility of development of a wide variety of side-effects, some of which can severely weaken patients as oral mucositis. This review addresses these main diseases of the oral cavity, describing each of them, as well as the plant extracts that have been studied for their anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties specifically applied to addressing the conditions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Alicia R P, Raúl R H, Diana S R U, Dulce F O Z, Sandra C E G https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Yucca plants: A comprehensive review of their biological, nutritional and phytochemical attributes
The Yucca genus, consisting of nearly 50 species, is among the most prevalent desert plant groups in North America. Yucca plants are perennial, succulent and shrubby, known for their longevity. They possess trunks that can reach heights of up to 10 m, occasionally branching and feature long, linear leaves arranged in a rosette pattern. Since ancient times, they have been used by indigenous cultures in arid regions to obtain fibre, as a building material for huts and livestock fences, as part of traditional medicine and their flowers are consumed as food. Amid ongoing climate change, the issue of water scarcity is becoming increasingly severe for humanity. Yucca plants have sparked great interest due to their ability to adapt to extreme climates. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on exploring the biological, genetic, physicochemical, nutritional, functional and other characteristics of Yucca plants. Our fast-paced lifestyles have led to an increase in processed foods, displacing the natural resources that have traditionally been part of our diet. The phytochemical richness of these valuable resources represents a nutritious and bioactive source that can be utilised by people living in arid regions. This paper reviews the biology, phytochemical composition and potential bioactive properties of Yucca plants, highlighting their value as natural resources addressing the challenges of environmental change. With proper management and the integration of scientific information, these resources can represent sources of marketing and economic income for the inhabitants of the regions where they are distributed, providing the basis for a better understanding of the formation, use and management of these valuable natural resources.
Copyright (c) 2026 Martha Monzerrath Orozco-Sifuentes, Lluvia de Abril Alexandra Soriano-Melgar, Jesús David García-Ortíz, Bosede Ruth Faleye, Raúl Rodríguez-Herrera https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Trends and applications of hot-melt extrusion in the encapsulation of bioactive compounds for nutraceutical products
The encapsulation of plant-derived bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, constitutes an essential strategy to mitigate their physico-chemical instability against oxidative factors, light and pH variations in the gastrointestinal tract. While conventional techniques like spray drying are common, they often present limitations related to the use of organic solvents and discontinuous processing. Hot-melt extrusion (HME) has emerged as a sustainable, continuous and solvent-free technology; however, its viability for processing thermosensitive molecules has historically been questioned due to the thermal stress involved. Unlike previous reviews, this study integrates a bibliometric analysis with a critical technical evaluation specifically focused on strategies to preserve bioactivity under shear conditions. A systematic review of 148 studies published between 2014 and 2024, retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science (WoS) and PubMed, was conducted, evaluating the interaction between process parameters and polymeric matrices. The results reveal that HME facilitates the formation of stable amorphous solid dispersions through intermolecular interactions that prevent active recrystallisation. It was demonstrated that rigorous control of barrel temperature, screw speed and residence time allows for the processing of thermolabile compounds with minimal degradation, achieving significant improvements in solubility and bioavailability compared to pure crystalline forms. In conclusion, HME consolidates itself as a robust and efficient industrial alternative for the development of nutraceuticals. The future perspective of this technology lies in the research of new biopolymers with generally recognised as safe (GRAS) status and advanced plasticisers that optimise bioactive loading and allow for customised release profiles.
Copyright (c) 2026 Victor Hugo Rosero B, José Fernando Solanilla D, José Luis Hoyos C https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phytochemical and pharmacological advancement on Tridax procumbens L.: A traditional medicinal plant with multiple health benefits: A review
Tridax procumbens L. is a persistent herb typically found as an agronomic weed that grows on wasteland or invades bare soil. Indigenous medicine has employed several extracts of T. procumbens to treat an array of illnesses in both humans and animals. The primary objective of this study is to comprehensively review the phytochemical constituents and medicinal potential of T. procumbens, highlighting its traditional and pharmacological uses with updated literature. The study aims to consolidate scientific literature on T. procumbens, its biological activities and therapeutic applications to provide a valuable ethnomedicinal reference. Despite the traditional and ethnomedicinal significance of T. procumbens, several critical research gaps remain, including a lack of in-depth phytochemical characterization. Bridging these gaps is essential for advancing T. procumbens from traditional use to evidence-based therapeutic applications. The literature review confirms the presence of several crucial phytochemicals in T. procumbens such as alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, proteins, anthocyanins and amino acids. These compounds are associated with various biological activities including wound healing, antioxidant and antibacterial effects, anti-inflammatory properties, antifungal, antiparasitic, insecticidal and immunomodulatory therapeutic effects. Tridax procumbens demonstrates significant potential as a medicinal plant with a broad range of biological activities attributed to its diverse phytochemical profile. However, further in-depth pharmacological studies, clinical investigations and toxicological assessments are essential to validate its ethnomedicinal claims and develop it into a reliable therapeutic agent. This review underscores the need for advanced research to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern evidence-based medicine.
Copyright (c) 2026 Harpreet Kaur, Agam Bori, Kuldip Bora, Kangkana Medhi, Gongwna Basumatary, Natesan Balasubramanian, Jagdish Kumar Sahu, Gomathinayagam Subramanian https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Ethnomedicinal plants used in the management of skin diseases: A review of traditional practices in Gujarat
This review focuses on contemporary ethnomedicine practices, with a specific focus on the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of skin diseases. It is based solely on published studies documenting such plants across the state’s five regions: Saurashtra, North Gujarat, South Gujarat, Central Gujarat and Kachchh. Relevant literature was extensively searched through online databases, including Google, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Scopus, Academia and Web of Science. A total of 193 plant species were identified from previous studies as being used to treat 18 different types of skin diseases. These diseases were classified into five categories based on their origin: bacterial, fungal, viral, parasitic and autoimmune. Conditions such as Abscess, Boils, Mastitis, Leprosy, Ringworm, Tinea versicolor (Karodiya), Itching, Chicken pox, Measles, Warts, Rabies, Scabies, Psoriasis, Eczema, Leucoderma, as well as cosmetic skin practices, are treated with the documented medicinal plants using various modes of administrations. Among the reported species, Azadirchta indica, Cassia fistula, Aloe vera, Milletia peguensis, Centella asiatica, Argimone Mexicana, Calotropis gigantea and Bombax ceiba are the most frequently used for managing skin disorders and cosmetic purposes. This review highlights the rich ethnomedicinal knowledge in Gujarat and the significant role of traditional plant-based remedies in managing skin diseases. The documented information can serve as a valuable resource for future pharmacological studies, conservation efforts and the development of novel herbal formulations. Promoting and preserving such indigenous knowledge is essential to ensure its sustainable use and potential integration into modern healthcare practices.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rasik Sojitra, Snehal Gamit, Kamlesh Gadhvi, Rashmi Sharma, Suhas Vyas, Sandip Gamit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Tissue sampling, extraction methods, characterisation and applications of Sclerocarya birrea (marula) extracts: A review
Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst. (marula), with its rich phytochemical content, is highly regarded in southern African communities. Characterisation studies on fruit, bark and other parts of the plant identified valuable phytochemicals like tannins, terpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, oils, vitamins and many others which calls for unlimited research on marula applications. Though not usually very efficient, use of hand tools in the sampling of roots, bark, leaves and fruits is the most practised method of harvesting due to affordability in communities. Marula roots, leaves and barks are exploited mostly for their medicinal phytochemical content, fruits for their beverage and nutritional benefits while seeds are a source of food and oils used for skin care. Biodiesel, skin care products and alcoholic beverages production have been reported among commercial opportunities for S. birrea. Community based commercial activities involve vending wine, oils, jam and butter as a source of income. Other potential areas of application including paint additives, green corrosion inhibitors and surfactant manufacture among others, need research attention to scale up on S. birrea economic value and commercialisation. More sector specific organisations are required to coordinate knowledge and operations in the marula economy to widen the applications and adoption of marula products into the global markets. Future demand and interest on S. birrea-based products calls for sustainable exploitation and domestication of the plant as alternative conservation measures.
Copyright (c) 2026 Munashe Maposa, Babatunde Abiodun Obadele, Victor Kitso Manisa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Smart targeting of nanopesticides: Advancing environmental protection and sustainable agriculture
The smart application of nanopesticides marks a significant shift toward environmentally responsible and sustainable pest management. By utilising nanotechnology to encapsulate and deliver active ingredients with high precision, nanopesticides offer targeted action against pests while minimising collateral damage to non-target organisms and ecosystems. Unlike conventional pesticides, these nanoscale systems reduce the overall chemical load required for effective pest control, thereby mitigating environmental pollution and human health risks. Advanced delivery strategies such as stimuli-responsive release, ligand-receptor targeting and controlled degradation enhance the specificity, stability and efficiency of these formulations. Innovative nanocarriers, including polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes and mesoporous silica nanoparticles, enable the controlled release of active compounds in response to environmental triggers such as pH fluctuations, temperature changes, or enzymatic activity. These technological breakthroughs align with the principles of sustainable agriculture by reducing chemical runoff, groundwater contamination and pesticide residues in the food chain. Additionally, the decreased frequency and quantity of applications contribute to lower carbon emissions and resource consumption. To ensure the safe integration of these technologies, robust regulatory frameworks and comprehensive risk assessment models are essential.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hayyawi WA Al-juthery, Nabil R Lahmoud, Hassanein H Al-juthery, Diaa F Hassan, Mustafa Qais Hamid, Rand AHG Al-Taee https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Enhancing salt stress tolerance in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) through biostimulants
Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms applied in small quantities, improve plant growth and productivity by modulating their natural biological processes, distinct from fertilisers and pesticides. Derived from natural sources such as plant extracts, algae or beneficial microorganisms, they enhance nutrient uptake and tolerance to abiotic stress. In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) exposed to salt stress, the application of biostimulants, including a combination of 70 % biofertilizer and 30 % biocompost (Bf70/Bc30), improved vegetative growth, photosynthesis and membrane stability while reducing malondialdehyde and excessive proline accumulation. These treatments also regulate the expression of genes related to proline biosynthesis and antioxidant activity, enhancing tolerance to salt stress. Thus, biostimulants constitute a sustainable approach to improve yield, quality and resilience of tomatoes, while reducing dependence on chemical inputs.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mostapha Maach, Mustapha Akodad, Soumia El malahi, Hanane Ait Hmeid, Hicham Gueddari, Mourad Baghour https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0